From: Karen Breen <KarenBreen>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1998 06:49:13 -0400

Cathy's comment finally prompted me to get on board this discussion. Two things have been buzzing around in my head since it began...well, maybe three. First, I was privileged to watch Brenda Bowen and Karen Hesse talk about the process of shaping Karen's work and came to understand a little better how important the editor, and the art director,etc, etc, are to the finished work. Brenda had letters that she and Karen had written which allowed us to see what had happened between them. It was astounding, to say the least. Brenda is a brilliant teacher as well as a thoughtful and unintrusive editor. She pulls out of the author what the author doesn't know is there. I thought then about the different reactions I've had to Karen's work when it wasn't edited by Brenda. And, I know that we librarians often talk about the hand of the editor in shaping a work, especially during discussions regarding selection for a list or an honor. It is usually accepted that the editor's input is often a critical issue in whether the book "makes" it or not. Then I got to thinking about how much it means to me to know who was involved. Finally, when Cathy said she sticks around through the credits of a movie, I recognized myself. I sit there all the way to the last gasp. I'm looking for all sorts of names, usually music credits, but, while I'm there I'm learning something. We are all learning about how books are crafted and we want to know more, please. Give us the editor's name. And, whatever else, when these wonderful notes are written, over the internet, in notecards, on formal stationery, keep a copy! I'm horrified at the thought of UN's writing by email and the idea that we might never have been given the gift of seeing this side of her or her disciples. Karen Breen New Visions for Public Schools NY, NY
Received on Thu 13 Aug 1998 05:49:13 AM CDT