Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

A writer sent me a manuscript for my editing services and used present tense in his story. He also asked be if present tense was better or if he should use past tense.

 Present Tense—the Pros and Cons: The author nearly disappears (which is a good thing) when a story is written in present tense. The reader ends up feeling plopped right into the immediate action. This sounds perfect. Yet, at times, this approach becomes awkward, especially when slower scenes, reflective areas, etc. naturally occur.

More important…it tends to fatigue the reader. It can feel like shouting or pointing here and there rapidly. If handled deftly, the reader will likely never even really notice it after the initial few pages. But, at other times, present tense can make some scenes feel “pushed” on the reader.

Additionally, showing flashbacks or changing points of view can be tricky. The flashbacks would have to be in past tense but transition smoothly to the current storyline–which is in present tense. Yes, it can all be done. But, especially for newer writers, all the handling of present tense can detract from what is important–the story itself.

 Past Tense—The Pros: That’s right; there really are no “cons” to past tense. Past tense is the usual, normal, standard way of writing fiction. New writers tend to think this is, therefore, boring. But in reality, it is the way we are used to hearing and reading stories. So rather than getting “creative” and using present tense to spice up your writing, it is better to learn the tools that really DO matter (“show, don’t tell,” “activate,” “deepen character,” etc.) than to make yourself use present tense.

 But … Is This Your Voice?  However, maybe you, as a writer, are just a natural at present tense. This might be a “signature” aspect of your books. At an early stage in writing, who is to say? If you found yourself writing in present tense from the outset, maybe this is a sign to keep with it. But my suggestion is to start with your present tense until you get a few scenes done. They rewrite just one tense scene, a couple of pages in length, in past tense. Keep a close eye on the verbs and activate them as much as you can (something every writer should always do anyway). Then do the same for a slow scene. Let them sit for a day and then read both scenes all by themselves, pretending (if you can) you just picked up someone else’s  book to read. See what you think. Do they carry the action and emotion as well as they did in your original version where you used present tense? Can you see the scenes clearly and want to read on? If so, I’d suggest using past tense. 

The Decision: Only you can make the decision on which tense to use. My encouragement to use past tense is simply because I hate to see any capable writer and strong story possibly be negatively impacted by the verb tense used. The normal past tense isn’t a bore and present tense isn’t forbidden—these are just tools, to be used carefully, like all the other writing tools.

QUESTION (from one of my editing clients):
Do I look for endorsements before I submit the book? What do I tell these folks? Will they want to endorse something that isn’t printed, or accepted? I am sure having their endorsements will help get it accepted, but which comes first…the chicken or the egg?!

ANSWER:
Getting endorsements is a great idea– it adds great impact, when you send in the proposal, if the publisher recognizes either the person or their organization. Find someone whose knowledge and ability in that fiction genre or on a subject withing the book is known and respected. Then write to them.

Whether or not it is published is not important to the prospective endorsee. You just explain why you think they are so great (you love the book they published which is similar in some way–but not competitive; you heard their super speech at a recent seminar; you’ve read all their theories on the subject; whatever fits), your background, what you’ve written and ask if there is any chance they could look over what you have … and if they like it how it would mean so much if they could let you know so you could use their endorsement.

Basically, this is a sales pitch letter to them, but you need to make it sound very personal. Which it is! Because you are asking them a really HUGE personal favor–to take time from their busy life to help you, a complete stranger, out! How will they respond? They agree (of course!), read what you have and simply love it (how could they feel otherwise?) and then send you a note about how great it is (surely!). Which you then use as part of your marketing to publishers. Ahhh … doesn’t that make it all sound so easy!

Okay, so maybe they won’t agree. They may not even answer! But you’d be surprised how often I hear that someone versed on a subject or known in a field of writing IS willing to read and endorse a manuscript from a first-time author. Sometimes, even if they don’t have the time to read it all, they will make helpful suggestions. Even that is a huge bonus for you.  

The worst that can happen is you never hear from them or they say “no.” The best? That you make a special contact and get a useful endorsement. Anything in between is still ever so useful. So plunge on and ASK!

A writer with a book manuscript finished and ready to market asked:

QUESTION:
 What are your personal thoughts about submitting a ms anywhere at the present time (considering the financial situation)? I was going to wait until after the election for sure. Life might be more settled then, for better or worse, but at least some questions would be answered. What would you do if you had a book to submit?

ANSWER:
For any year, I would NOT submit towards the end of the year, meaning from mid-November on. I’d wait until after January 1st. Traditionally the publishing world comes to a screeching halt twice a year: in August (publishers flee for vacations from the too-hot NY publishing world) and year end. They are only half staffed Thanksgiving through Jan 1 for the Holiday season.

For this particular year, with the financial world seemingly coming to a crashing halt, nearly every industry is in the “hold” mode. In the publishing world, they already have committments for months in advance, so will likely hesitate to committ for anything much further out until some stability is felt in the markets overall. So from September to the end of 2008, I’d say it’s a bust just for the reasons you give. Sorry about that.

But … if I ALREADY had the right connections within the industry and an introduction either you made with a publisher previously or through your networking, I would NOT put it off. I’d proceed with any contacts in a business-as-usual fashion. Holidays slow-downs and financial woes aside, they are still in business so they will respect any contacts already started. And at the least, you would be firmly in their minds once the world starts to turn again.

PS: I answered this writer prior to the 2008 elections and prior to financial situations only deepening. If you already submitted something to a publisher during this difficult time and find responses slower than expected, these are likely the reasons. So don’t be discouraged. Just keep in mind that it will take a while before new committments will be made in any sector … and keep on honing your writing skills in the meantime.