Let me rephrase: you have been very clear that you are not ok with nitpick comments re: typos or grammar. I thought you were ok with more overarching comments regarding plot or character. Your statement here seems to apply to all criticism. Is that true?
Siobhan
Typos
Please do not correct the typos. The reasons for this are many.
- some of you don’t read each other’s comments and we end up with twenty comments about broke instead of broken or some other minor issue
- some of you do read each other’s comments and then call each other dirty names because you disagree about comma placement
- some of you email us personally about typos, flooding the email box with corrections
- a lot of times your corrections are wrong.
This makes more work for us.
Errors of Fact
Example:
…everywhere (including the Pack Map) you have the Pack in the north *East* and in the first chapter of Ryder you have it in the North *west*.
“In the absence of a great enemy, the city had fragmented again, with the Pack controlling a chunk of the metropolis to the north-west.”
Lynn
This is an error of fact. It must be corrected.
If you spot such an error, please email us and we will fix it. Please do not post it in the comments. While all comments are being read, the email is prioritized over the comments and we can fix the error faster. We are very grateful to Lynn for spotting this and emailing us right away.
Please be sure that you are not mistaken before emailing.
“The Rod of Aaron” never turns into a snake in the Bible. I know only Christians might notice or care (some probably won’t). I still loved Ch. 6 pt. 1 but I just thought you, the authors, might like to know. (It’s actually the Rod of Moses that does so — twice, in fact — in the scriptures)
Oh Kay
This is not an error of fact.
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.
Exodus 7
Click here to view this verse in many different types of the Bible.
It costs writing time to respond to corrections. 🙂 Please be mindful of our time and yours.
Errors of Expertise
Camilla, who is a former nurse, was kind enough to point out the issues with taking a direct hit on the spine. This is an error of expertise on our part. We are not medical professionals. We have fixed this error and we are grateful for her generosity and help, but her comment was deleted.
A comment like this has the potential to detract from the reading experience, because it threatens the suspension of disbelief. This is something that’s typically fixed in a beta read. This is less about the infallibility of us as writers and more about us protecting your enjoyment. If you spot such an error, please email it to us but please refrain from commenting.
Critical Comments That Attempt to Improve Our Writing
Here is our press kit with some highlights of our career. If you possess professional credentials that surpass ours in the field of writing and editorial work and would like to contribute to improving the manuscript, please drop our agent an email and we will consider employing you as an editor for our future projects.
At this time, we are not soliciting editorial feedback from professionals on our first draft. If you have no professional credentials, please remember that we do not come to your job and explain to you how to do it properly. 🙂
Yesterday was a slow day and only 19, 866 of you read the Ryder post. If everyone of you had questioned our word choice or sentence structure, I don’t think we would keep going.
Reader Comments
Reader comments that criticize, praise, speculate, and pick apart the story are fine. That’s what it is there for. Go ahead, knock yourselves out. Reader reactions help us fine tune the narrative. We want to know what plot turns and character actions made you happy, or sad, or upset.
In Conclusion
If your comments are deleted for cause, you will be notified. You will not be banned for leaving a critical comment even if it crosses the above guidelines. You will just get a fussy email and an explanation of why the comment was removed. Sometimes the offending comment will be left with a response, because we would like to respond publically.
So Siobhan, none of your comments have been removed, which means you are fine.
Please remember that the story is here for your enjoyment. It’s probably best to not nitpick it over every little wrong thing it does, because it kills the fun of it. Unless your fun is gleefully finding something that didn’t work and madly cackling to yourself about what huge hacks we are. We don’t mind if you cackle, just keep it to yourself. 😉
Suelder says
My father was an editor. I cannot count the times he made me rewrite something because I got it wrong – this was before computers, or even correcting typewriters. Noting any errors is automatic, but it’s not hard to keep my mouth shut.
That said, you guys are 1000% cleaner than some very popular, number one authors. And you very rarely call the second son the eldest son of the duke (for instance). I enjoy everything you write, even, maybe especially, the character twitter bits.
Chris says
Does anyone remember ” Surf II: The End of the Trilogy” from 1984?
(There never was a Surf 1, BTW.)
It’s been a family joke, ever since.
The TV networks seem to love to run a new show with 4 episodes and call the 4th
one the Season Finale. Maybe they should just say, “This was a flop, Fegedaboudit”.
Also, I, for 1, wouldn’t mind if you closed down the comments long enough to take the weekends off, or even if you need more time to rest. Just post a note on the blog.
If there is one thing the shutdown has taught us, there is very little that is both urgent and important at the same time. Taking care of ourselves, being kind, and getting enough sleep is at the top of the list and will help with most any other problems on the list.
Skye says
Excellent idea! I agree.
David says
Me to.
Karen says
I concur
Debie says
Agree
Proud Bookworm says
Great suggestion!
Char says
Gosh I agree! Rest and kindness are so necessary. And sometimes donuts! You should turn us off as often as you want!
Thank you both for taking care of us. You are the nicest people!
Meg says
Yes! Please take care of yourselves. We will still be here. Promise.
Pam says
Yes! Taking the time to recharge and reset is vital.
hilly says
Ditto!
Alice says
Absolutely! Ditto to all the above and below!
Sky says
I second Skye’s suggestion! The skye/skys are united. I am never in a hurry to read comments. Yup, they can be informative or interesting. Just not my priority. Rather have more of your words, and less of ours if I had to pick.
Patrice says
I agree! It’s easy to keep quiet – and I do see stuff because I have been an editor for all sorts of documents, including fiction. But I’m not working, I’m READING. 🙂 I read for enjoyment not to nitpick. And I am just THRILLED when we are gifted with new stories.
Nathalie Turcotte says
+1
Sharon says
I loved reading the blog and the comments. This website is a happy place to visit.
Jenn says
Me too. I come here often. ????
Siobhan says
+1
Dawn says
Because of how well you write, I seldom notice typos/errors of fact (which with other authors have jolted me out of the story/lessened my enjoyment). Keep doing what you do and I will keep reading and reading…
Jen says
I came to the comment section to say the same thing. When writing is at a high level, the errors aren’t noticed or cared about.
Gundega says
Exactly! 🙂
EverythingShines says
I agree and would go a step further to say that when the writing is this high quality I always just assume it was missed in the rush to appease the BDH. There’s no question in my mind that it will be caught prior to publication.
Thank you Ilona and Gordon for caring enough to share yourselves with us so generously.
Jamie says
Agreed. I’ve stopped reading several authors because I’ve gotten frustrated with the sloppiness/lack of proofreading. Having said that, I don’t pay attention to the rare error in blog posts. They’re *drafts*. I can’t recall ever seeing an error make it into the published version in any of Ilona & Gordon’s work.
Breann says
????♀️????♀️????????????????
Ellen D says
We love your work. Give the screen the finger hit the delete button and keep on truckin. Put up a Gone Fishing sign take a break.
Mary says
Jeez, all that sh*t comes to you??? Huh, I so love your work, and all I can say is, starts with an F, ends in a U to those who are critical cretins. Again, I love your work, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for bringing joy to my heart for being, and sharing.
Martha says
+1
Tashraven says
+1
Trisha says
+1
Joanne says
I’m glad you clarified! Will save you time and from reader hurt in the future!
Ilona says
The typo corrections etc don’t really hurt me. 🙂 It’s the first draft and I don’t have any ego wrapped up in it and neither does Gordon. But every correction has to be verified and that takes time.
Elenariel says
I always marvel at your patience.
And my gratefulness for still keeping up with us increases!
Thank you.
Arianna says
What she said!
I would never dream of criticizing a professional, not my place ????
Anne says
I’m astonished by how real you are. It’s delightful. 🙂 As always, thanks for sharing. We would miss so much if you kept your commentary to yourselves! What a fun aside it is to your fabulous work.
Liz. V says
Not a comment about this post per say, just something I noticed with the website redesign. At the end of each post there’s the option to go back to a earlier post. These seem to jump back to the last blog post under the tag it was categorized in (Admin for example on this post) instead of a pure time chronological order. While it’s fine either way, I was curious if that was the intent.
Kim says
May I thank you? I lurk a lot, but I love that you post these beta chapters! This year has been a beast for all of us. Your books have been the majority of my comfort reading and a much needed escape when reality gets a bit much.
Oh, and thank you so much for recommending Grace Draven ages ago. Her books are also on my escape list.
Karen the Griffmom says
+1. Grace is so much fun to follow.
MMD says
Very generous and tolerant position. Hopefully, this will help, at least for a while, as you have stated your position clearly and without judgement.
As Sharon says above, “I love reading your blog and the comments”.
Also I am the world’s worst speller/proof reader so you’re not getting any “advice” from me. ????
Melissa Brisentine says
Why can’t people just be happy that you share this work with us?? I am grateful every time I see a post with a new story. I just don’t get it. You don’t have to do this, you could just keep all of these worlds to yourself. I personally am glad you do share this with us. I’m going through some really bad things right now and these posts are bright parts of very hard days. So thank you, thank you for sharing these worlds and stories.
Tyler says
This. I can’t believe how much people complain about/critique something that is free.
Maria Z says
Absolutely this blog is my zen spot of the day. I don’t get the nasty.
SarahZ says
When I was in college, my co-op would do a free cookie giveaway to promote our rush events. Someone once came back to the table to complain that the free cookie they’d picked out was oatmeal chocolate chip, not raisin! People can really manage to complain about anything.
Carmen says
Having a comment section is a double edged sword …I almost wish you didn’t have one because there is always negative energy spillage… If someone gets too negatively instructive … Tell them to far cough … A little COVID humor ;D
Nancy Weaver says
Ha! Dyslexic avid reader here. We should be your favorite readers and never a beta reader. Our minds just kind of flow around an error to keep the continuity. Just being able to wallow around in a snippet of one of your worlds is a sparkle moment.
Valerie in CA says
I was not one of the 19 thousand readers for the latest installment of Ryder
For my own enjoyment Ryder is like a glass of fine wine (Sauvignon Blanc perhaps?) at bedtime. To be devoured and enjoyed. I am saving the read for tonight!
Tine says
+1
jewelwing says
I cackled reading this blog post, but not because it has any errors. It was about the polite smackdowns.
Terry Pratchett fans, I am aware what cackling signifies, and I’ve stopped now. Nullas anxietas!
Skye says
As someone who *is* a professional editor, I never comment on draft stuff. That’s the creative time. And I never comment on stuff where I haven’t been asked to. Well, not to the writer(s), at least. 🙂 I see errors all the time, everywhere, even books by other big names, such as yourselves, even on summary text on the covers of such books, and it drives me batshit. But not my job to write to the publisher or the writer and gift them with my so-very-professional-and-knowledgeable experience. I love your stuff, I love these posts. Mwah! (big kiss, if that wasn’t obvious)
Podkayne's Granny says
I am not an editor, but I am a retired teacher. I also find errors everywhere in print. It drives me nuts. I have to close my “teacher” eyes and just read for enjoyment. (But I have been known to go back through books a second time and circle the errors.) Really, I don’t remember books having so many errors in the past. But in the last decade, I don’t think I’ve read a single book that hasn’t had errors in spelling, grammar, usage, apostrophes, homonyms, etc. I blame it on computers. After authors lovingly make their final drafts, the beta readers go through the text, and the editors do their work….I swear there is a gleefully illiterate gremlin in the works who then changes words and punctuation. I’d like to smack his little hand with a ruler.
I love reading this blog. House Andrews is the best! Thank you so much for the stories.
karen goodwin says
Due to covid, I have had a difficult time staying focused on new books by authors I haven’t read before. I have reread all your books, it’s like visiting old friends. So your post, or offerings, have been very comforting. Thank you for doing this.
Bren says
Yes, this! I just cannot get into a new book, even ones I have been waiting on to be released. I have re-read all of House Andrews’ books though! Comfort reads is a good term for them. So familiar and always excellent. Ryder, too. Revisiting a familiar world and character, even with a new storyline, is comforting too.
Helena says
I thought it was just me! I am starting to wonder is it because I know I won’t have to go through as much of an emotional rollercoaster that I return to old books instead of starting a new one. 2020 has been tough enough, I think it’s fair we find comfort in the familiar too!
Emily says
I’m relatively new to the blog so I appreciate this clarification. It makes 100% sense.
Thanks for putting up with us. You have far more patience & benevolence than I do.
Ami says
Its good to understand the finer grain here. I generally just keep my mouth shut b/c I’m confident if you wanted a content or developmental editor you would hire a good one. I am neither and just here for the show so I just sit back and enjoy. I did notice the pack seemed to be on the wrong side of the city but I figured you had editors for that and your final works are usually very nearly or actually spotlessly clean so I wasn’t gonna worry about it. I think I’ll stick with that.
I appreciate y’all so much. I generally want to keep my commentary to delight and occasional speculation. And since thats definitely approved I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. Thank you so much again. Your work is some of my very favorite therapy.
Joe says
yeh, but what about. . .
Carolin says
Adding my personal opinion here, I’d like to emphasize that which I most appreciate in your writing because it is an outstanding feature: your ability to create layers in your world. Every time I re-read a book of yours I notice more details and more connections within the series and hints at developments I missed the first time around. All of which is on top of superb world building, imaginative plots and really amazing characters.
This is why I love your books so much. And the blog as well, especially since you are so generous with your snippets and serials and also with advice.
To be honest, I am totally sucked into magical Atlanta or whatever world we are in and I don’t notice tiny issues (if they exist in the first place). Probably because I am too grateful to spend time there and marveling at my surroundings.
Thank you.
Mel says
When you have places like Unicorn Lane and the Honeycombs, who’s to say that the pack didn’t reappear on the western border during the last 8 years. I don’t usually notice the small discrepancies either because, well, Magic.
barbie doll says
I have read most if not all of your books and have found only one error in your published work that drives me crazy. Since I am not sure it was not fixed in later editions I have never said a word. That said I still love that book and just grit my teeth. Nitpicking is not usually helpful. It is interesting to see the differences in the published work after reading the online book. Thank you for your forbearance . I am enjoying Julie/ Aurelia and her story and am waiting for old friends to turn up. Thank you.
Priyamwada says
Um… What about if I find your books being pirated online? Would you like to know? I did send you an email but I didn’t put any specific subject on it, so I’m not sure if you saw it. Can you even DO anything about said piracy?
Priyamwada says
It really irritated me when I found your books there, because you guys already give us so much free stuff.
Rose says
I fully agree with the people who suggest that, hey, it’s OK if you aren’t on call for us every minute of every day (because, of course, time zones). You did the 24-hour thing when your kids were little. I’ve said it before -take the time you need. I, for one, do not want you to burn out. Relax. Play with the pup. Knit something. Knit something for the pup. Knit (if you’re anything like me) your forty-seventh shawl.
Do you have trusted mods who could weed through the chaff and just show you the wheat?
I like the expression “threatens the suspension of disbelief”. This is a very good way to put it.
Bill W says
We did that for a minster. We had his secretary not forward all the negative stuff.
Bee says
I do love a good cackle. I am enjoying the leg-biters from the mouse house and hope that Julie gets to explore her emotional confidence in herself and connect her head and heart a bit more. I really like reading about women who don’t need rescuing but who also don’t feel the desire to go to either extreme of the emotional/psychosocial spectrum. I can’t wait to read more! Thank you so much for giving us all something to look forward to when we feel such compassion fatigue from what our current environs are experiencing.
Simone says
I can barely leave a comment without a typo or Auto Correct error so far be it from me to correct others. ????
Perhaps put a link to this posting above the comments box of each Ryder installment?
Siobhan says
+1 re: leaving comments that I deeply wish I could edit
Katherine says
I love the insights into your writing process and to the feedback. Practically everything you write entertains me, regardless of whether it is pieces of writing or a blog post. Just love it ????
Sabrina Szabo says
I really like your books and writing, thanks 🙂
Alice says
I love your writing style. I love your books. I appreciate every snippet you give us and I like to read the comments (mostly) the thing about peoples opinions is that everyone has one. I figure if i’m allowed to leave one I can’t complain about the others, I can just ignore them if I don’t like them. But I’ve often gotten some in site or a perspective I wasn’t aware of. And I really appreciate when we get recommendations on other authors, because i’ve found a lot of new authors from it!! WIN! Thank you!!
Élodie says
I always loved your honesty, you don’t hesitate to tell us what you think. Not always easy to do, but personally always appreciated
I don’t always comments but I have been following this blog for years now, I just love it, love your work, thank you for everything as always
Cindy says
I love y’all. I love y’all’s writing. I’m so sorry some people can’t just enjoy free fiction coming to their email/social media/blog feeds. Some days when I read a post from you addressing these types of things I’m shocked y’all keep going with the blog and the free fiction.
It would be so much less stressful if you just published your work as books we have to buy. But I’m so thankful that you deal with all of this crap and give us these awesome freebies. I just wish people would use their brains some times.
Bill W says
When a preacher preaches, I judge his sermon not by what I perceive as errors on his part but on the blessing I received from his message. When I read your writing I don’t judge it on what I perceive as mistakes, but on the joy I get from reading excellent stories. All of your writing gives me joy.
Maria Z says
” It’s probably best to not nitpick it over every little wrong thing it does, because it kills the fun of it. Unless your fun is gleefully finding something that didn’t work and madly cackling to yourself about what huge hacks we are”
Just want to comment on this part. This happens all the time at work. I have seen my supervisor given a project by upper management meant to either change a process or incorporate new policy moving forward. Months of time and effort of several people are put in place to create new process flows or polices. When all is ready this new process or policy is briefed and you have all these folks attempt to rip apart what was put together with glee in their eyes and malice in their hearts just to show that they are so smart but these folks never ever have a suggestion has how to improve a process. This is not helpful. Folks like this are the ones who will nitpick any project but they never offer solutions. They also don’t get promoted even if they are the smartest person and most qualified because no one wants to work with them because they tend to be difficult to work with and they are not team players.
Well, I guess the morale of this story is nitpicking is not helpful.
Amy says
I’m astonished that anyone would nitpick over what is essentially a gift to us during this crazy times. I look forward to reading these chapters as they come out and I usually can’t wait for the next. I also understand that this will go through a series of professional editors etc before it gets printed. I missed KD world and I’m ok getting my fix however I can. Please guys don’t make them stop writing these freebies because we’ve made it too much trouble for them!
Lora says
Aaaaa. Love y’all and all you do! Thank you so much for the FREE fiction. Love all you produce.
Libby S. says
I find it so interesting that when I started reading the snippets, and I have no idea why, but the way it was written the narration in my head became a different voice. Author lord/lady, rock! Thank you for being able to do that. Magic! ????
Jessica A says
Anyone would think you don’t have beta-readers and editors, and this was just a first draft or something….
In case you wondered, Ryder thus far is sincerely cool. You’ve managed to pick up the vibe of Kate, without riding her coattails as such. Putting new and different into something established is magical to read, and for my part, zero flying proverbials are given about typos. The joy of reading a raw form story in a world I love is real.
James says
Agreed
Jenn says
+1
Thank you for your writing, your honesty, humor, and your willingness to share your “worlds” and As well as your daily life.
You are amazing.
My husband thanks you for what you are doing, not because he is a reader, but for your positive impact on me and others.
Thank you.
Gailk says
I am a reader, not an editor or teacher or even a rocket scientist .
I will never correct you. Unless it’s about something that is obviously wrong. I know mystery books,opera ,Shakespeare and NYC. I live here.
Even then, there are thousands who would pick up on an error . I would be redundant .
I remember with great fondness the back and forth getting the correct formula for Alessandro and Catalina
leap in the car. I was “drive very fast in a very light car. “ but the flying formulas were just great!!
So thank you for your thoroughness,
and don’t listen to the nasty little
people who don’t respect your work and your readers.
You are entitled to take off any time you want.
CathyTara says
You know we are like a herd of cats, impossible to keep in one direction or satisfy. Meow! Thanks for being so generous with your stories and life lessons.
James says
Oh my gosh some people are insane. I know a bit about some forms of combat, so I usually see some very far fetched scenes in most of the 10s of 1000s of books I’ve read, but not once did I feel anything needed to be corrected, because it is a story, it is being told to invoke a response, not be a treatise on whatever type of combat that is being written about. Plus actual combat is fast, confusing, dirty, and ugly; no one wants to actually read about that. To the absolutely wonderful authors who provide is these amazing snippets of FREE stuff to read… You are amazing and I love to read these as they come out, then I go and buy the book, cause I put my money where it does the most good.
francesca says
thank you for clarifying (i am sorry you had to spell it out.) but now this post can live on for your loyal BDH.
i would love more clarification on another topic, though.
did you decide on/buy a camera and i missed it?
francesca says
if i missed it, BDH, can you steer me to the conclusion?
Ilona says
No. I decided to go in person to a shop and talk to someone and handle the cameras. But we have a massive explosion of Covid in our county right now.
https://hayscountytx.com/covid-19-information-for-hays-county-residents/ You can see it here. Scroll down until you see the dashboard and click on daily.
My daughters made me promise that their father and I would not leave the house for at least two weeks.
Francesca says
good plan on both fronts! best of luck in your camera endeavors. i would love it if you kept us posted. ❤️
sarafina says
Francesca, you sound like a stalker. Let them live their lives.
Breann says
Perhaps she’s interested in getting a camera herself.
Calling her a stalker seems a bit harsh. That’s a very strong word. I thinks lots of us here are interested in all of the daily things that get shared and wonder how things turn out.
DinNC says
Like with the drainage ditch and electrical wire issue. Hopefully, all is resolved and there will be no more flooding.
Ilona says
A stalker was too strong. 🙂 Francesca, you are okay. I didn’t mind the question at all. 🙂
Wotfan2 says
Children can be so Bossy sometimes! Which I can relate too as well, LOL
Regina says
Thank you for listening to your daughters and for taking precautions; my little brother died on May 26th. Covid is real. The pain of not being able to attend his funeral to comfort my siblings, my sister-in-law, and the children is only eclipsed by the pain of losing him.
I appreciate your sharing Ryder with the BDH. It’s been a real comfort to escape grief by visiting the blog to read the stories and the comments.
Breann says
I’m sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))
ready to read says
Please take care and do the safer at home thing.
What can I say … Colorado and social distancing.. face masks and fun times.
I am very amazed that we just opened up mostly and the amount of tourists in town for Father’s Day was crazy. I mean Patsy Cline singing full out on top of the mountain crazy and letting the sound travel down slope. Yep… live in the mountains and haven’t seen bumper to bumper traffic in 3 months… totally freaky.
Kind of liked it slow… we have had 300 cases of Covid-19 amid the full-time population of about 5000.
James says
Having read over 10 novels by you guys, I’d say whoever does your editing does a great job. I certainly wouldn’t expect the same level of editing from a free serial prior to its release in novella form. I’m just happy for the content.
Pam says
I appreciate your blog – reading it gives me a lot of pleasure. Just chiming in to say thank you.
Carolyn says
You are the only writers around who can make the clarification on the comment policy interesting.
Debra Johnson says
“only 19, 866” and it was a slow day! Got to love metrics! Love your writing. And while I don’t have time to refresh frequently, I do try at least once or thrice a day to check for new posts. They are always excellent reads and the comments are to delicious to miss. Thank you for your writing and generosity. Stay well and safe.
Danielle says
If I were to ever post something to offend you, I would be in agony. You brighten my day so much that I only want to return the favor. But sometimes I get overexcited and it might happen that I don’t see all the ways how what I’m posting could be perceived. It’s good to have rules even when you have to repeat them. Thanks for making us part of your process. ????
Siobhan says
+1
Barb says
I remember a time when people (and still do) would sit and wait for an error in filming continuity. Many years ago I did extra work in this area and whilst I remember how hard people work to prevent errors I am also aware how easy it is to still have it happen. I had no idea of the things you have discussed because quite honestly when I read your work I am too caught up in the story. I’m not saying errors are not important, I stress over it in my work constantly because I can’t afford professional help but I did want to say thank you for answering so graciously and I love your work because I can see the effort you make. ❤️
Amanda says
Honestly, anybody who’s complaining about anything, I challenge you to find a pair of authors who are this willing to be receptive and gracious about your BS. In a world full of Terry Goodkinds, we have Ilona and Gordon OKAYYYY? Okay. 🙂 Thanks for all you do, world creators!
Kina says
All I can say is that you’ve ruined me for other books & I will spend the rest of the coronavirus era exploring your stories. Thanks for a talent that brings so much joy! ♥️????
MaraDarling says
Oh oh oh! I’m so using the line “I don’t mind if you cackle just keep it to yourself” with the family.
prospero says
The request about corrections reminds me of a line my grandfather used to say about a man who complains to the waiter about a fly in his soup. The Waiter replies “Don’t shout or waive it about or the others will be wanting one too.” 🙂
jenbot says
I always notice that I love your writing. Please keep writing.
Cathleen O’Boyle says
I just like your stories.
They’re really good!!
Thanks for posting them ????
PS: I’ve bought them all, too ????
Megan Clanton says
I want to be you guys when I grow up. Except I’m grown up. So I’ll keep devouring everything you write as the deliciousness it is… and work on my 10yo’s ability to tell stories. It’s not too late for her! ????♥️
Ona Jo-Ellan Bass says
What clear, cogent, friendly directions! I’ve been taking notes for how to “author” for a while now. Thank you so much for all your wonderful work, from stories to glimpses into how it is to be a professional writer.
Meredith says
Since you are clarifying, and mentioned how much time the comments can take, I have a question. I’ve noticed that you will post something along the lines of, “this person is sick and we are exhausted, or something has happened and we are trying to get through it.” Then there will be a hundred comments telling you to take it easy. Since you have to read every comment, and have said you’re tired, or overwhelmed, do you want all of the comments? I know they are all made with the best of intentions, but do they become a burden? Maybe some guidance there would be good too?
MagicTrix says
Merideth, I know what you mean, and when I see a bunch of those, I just think, “they have already said what needed to be said,” and I move on without posting. If others do this, maybe we don’t need a formal guideline.
Jean says
I love the characters you create! Your stories allow me to de-stress in these very stressful times. I admit I love going to other worlds/times and allowing others to “live” through stressful times for my enjoyment (What does THAT say about me??? LOL). I really love the humor you blend in to give stress breaks to the characters and the readers as well. I have read everything I can find that you have published! Oh, and I’m a retired English teacher. I would no more think of criticizing your writing, than I would criticize any other master of their profession. 😉 Keep up the great work.
Denise says
I have very clearly heard that I missed reading a new Ryder. This egregious error will be corrected immediately.
MacGrani says
My favorite thing of all is you write and I get to read an amazing book. I’ve yet to see you all enter our rubber company and tell us how to run it. Why on earth would I tell you how to write? I have enough work to do!
Thank you for your amazing creativity and writing. Not to mention chocolate cake recipe!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!
melody says
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🙂 Reading, and rereading, your books and blog have been the bright spot in the day so many times the last few years. there are so many ways to help people, but laughter and redirective surcease of pain is priceless. Kirie Elieson my fellow travelers…. 🙂
Bonnie says
I am a retired RN who for the last five years as taken care of my I’ll mother who is 96. The last 18 months without a day off. I want you to know that when I am stressed, depressed and want to give up I start reading one of your books again. I have read each at least a dozen times. You have given me so much joy and escape from depression that I just wanted you to know how much happiness you spread thru the world. Do whatever you need for your self and family and ignore any critics.
Gerhard says
Hi Ilona, hi Gordon, (being no native English speaker I apologize in advance for my poor English and the typos which will show-up in my comment.).
I recently had a hard time (or I should say still have) (a routine examination showed a brain tumor which had to be excised recently) – I was very anxious about this – no one in his right mind will go into a brain surgery willingly… When I woke in the ER and the effects of the anesthesia begin to fade I was extremely happy that my trusted eReader was waiting for me and I still was able to do some reading. The first book I re-read was “Sweep of the Blade” and I was more than happy that I still remembered the characters, the story line and could follow the story without problems.
The book gave me hope that not all is lost. Many, many thanks for your books which really helped me through these hard times.
Gerhard from Germany
/ anaesthesia [MED.]
Sabrina says
That’s a big thing! I hope the road to recovery goes as smoothly as possible and that you will be well!
Virginie says
Big hugs and kisses.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Bev says
As I’ve stated previously, I’m glad you have spell checker. I obviously also need prof reading checker as I never notice any of your errors. I’m a Retired Registered Nurse and did’t notice anything wrong with your broken neck thingy. I get so caught up in your story line as it unfolds I don’t notice anything else. Quite frankly don’t care when your novels transport me into such wonderful universes with many layered, and varied characters.
Dianna says
One of my husband’s super powers is that he can see grammar and spelling errors from across the room. While his talent was helpful when I was in college writing papers that were to be graded, in daily life it’s annoying as heck. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have more than one of him looking over something that is to be simply enjoyed. You have my sympathy and understanding.
Cece says
Thank you for this. And the picture of chocolate.
Siobhan says
Gah! I can’t believe I just saw this. I go twelve hours without checking… ok, it was probably more than that.
Thank you for answering my question!
Siobhan says
And some of us comment, THEN read the other comments. Or look at the link saying “50 comments” and head straight for them and the link that says “256 comments” and think “eh. Maybe tomorrow.” I once worked full time AND had a blog with a decent readership (that never had 5K hits per day, much less 20K) and I couldn’t keep up with all the comments. The fact that you do is AMAZING to me.
Tracy says
As I can’t write can’t do this either, but find enjoyment in both and would not tell you or him how to do, all I can say is thanks
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1791383437666857&id=382791658526049&d=null&vh=e
Well I hope that worked never tried to add a link before
Mary Cruickshank-Peed says
I cringe at typos but refrain from correcting them in your blog. I will, however, use the Kindle feature and correct them in the ebook. I’ve never had to use this feature with you. You’re excellent writers, and you have an excellent editor.
There are a couple of authors who really need to find and pay for a good editor. I try to remember to review books. I’ve seen so many typos that I now mention it if I see a clean copy of a book by a couple of particular authors. It seldom happens.
I occasionally get paid to make a “clean copy” of a book from a non-standard format. I can do a lot of that by machine (search for common marks and errors) but it also means reading every single word because a clean copy means one without typing errors. It’s hard work, and I wouldn’t want to do it on a regular basis. Good editors are worth their weight in gold.
Siobhan says
There’s a difference between editing and proofreading. What you’re describing is proofreading. Typos and gross grammatical errors (i.e., subject/verb disagreement or adjective v adverb use). I’ve done both, and proofreading is absolute grunt work. Completely worthwhile, and there’s a deep satisfaction in finishing a document and being certain it’s clean, but while you’re doing it, it’s grunt work.
Editing is much more fun. Rewriting awkward sentences, offering suggestions, explaining what isn’t really working and why — that’s a blast.
And yes, both good editors and good proofreaders are worth their weight in gold. It’s two different skillsets, even if usually someone has to be able to do at least a bit of one if they’re offering the other.
Siobhan says
Editors also make more money long-term than proofreaders, although proofreaders can charge more per hour. Unless said proofreader can manage enough clients, and holy crap, I cannot imagine using my “proofreading eyes” forty hours/week.
T says
In my expert opinion, magic and shapeshifters aren’t real. I think you’re going to need to remove all of that to make your story more believable. 😛
Paul says
“We want to know what plot turns and character actions made you happy, or sad, or upset.”
I love all of your work, the very end of Ryder’s latest chapter I couldn’t say exactly why but was one of the most emotive for me in any of the works.
“She glanced up at me. “Will they feed me?””
It’s strange some of the things that really move you at times.
Laura Alford says
I think tbis post is an excellent illustration of why some people are writers, some are editors,some are grammar school teachers, and others are happiness engineers.
We all have different strengths and interests, and place emphasis and importance on different things.
I’m an accounting professor by trade, which means the devil is in the details and I can nit-pick the financials with the best of them.
However, when I read something like “north-east of the city,” my brain translates it to “not-here/out-there somewhere,” so I’d never even notice that next time “north-west” was used.
Thank you for the free snippets. It is truly a highlight of the day/week when you release them.
Siobhan says
You are so good at keeping your cool with some of the more absurd comments.
I am happy to read your books and enjoy the insights into life in Texas which is pretty much as good as science fiction to a woman reading in Dublin Ireland. It was a kick to have a personalised email, your updated website has must have many bells and whistles.
I hope you, Gordon and Kids 1+2 stay safe in this bizarre time and I so looking forward to reading Emerald Blaze, already pre-ordered through Amazon UK.
MELISSA says
Your books are wonderful. I never need to pause and re-read a sentence or paragraph because I could not comprehend the writing due to grammatical errors. Your books have a lot to say about respect (and many other positive values) not through mind-numbing didactic monologues but through action, example and intelligent dialogue. Thanks for adding so positively to the world. Keep going, please.
Marti Wulfow Garner says
I read your books and blog for my enjoyment not to analyze. I love all of it. My grammar has always sucked and the only things that bother me are you’re/your, their/there/they’re. How on earth I received the grades on the papers I wrote when working on my Master’s is beyond me. So please continue to write your wonderful books and your blog.
MoJo says
Just want to say we are incredibly blessed that you choose to share snippets with us. I can’t even begin to express how much I love them. They’re an incredible gift-especially during these times. You all are my favorite authors. I’ve read everything you’ve ever written. I’m sure you hear it all the time. Kate-world stories are my favorite, but I love all your other stories, too. Not trying to validate my love, but you can take it for what it’s worth-I’ve read a lot. I can read a book a day during the 40 hour work week & 3 a day on weekends. Been doing it since I was 14 & I’m pushing 50.
Thank you for your stories from the bottom of my soul.
Maureen Gonzales says
This is the first author’s website I have ever visited. I love your books and wanted to learn more. Then I discovered the amazingly generous sharing of your current work in progress. Thank you so much. There have been days this year when your posts brought needed joy into my life.
I also want to thank you for today’s post as I have never posted a comment because I didn ‘t know the rules. Now I do. I applaud your effort to reign in hurtful and disparaging comments. You guys are great
Enid says
I’ve never understood the motive behind readers’ snarky comments about content and grammar/punctuation/spelling. Ilona and Gordon have few errors, and their descriptions are so complete that I can immediately see the scene in my mind’s eye. It’s FICTION. FANTASY FICTION. If fans don’t like it, or feel the need to criticize it, I feel sorry for them. To do so is petty and makes me wonder about them in real life; the world doesn’t get constant rewrites (tho God knows it needs one rn) no matter how many complaints or errors it has, real or perceived. And it’s REAL. Back off people, or find someone else to read.
Bill G says
Thank you; I hope this clears the air a bit. I get tired of these things, especially pointing out typos in spite of a clear request not to. And it’s not my work being insulted, nor do I see more than a few. Thanks for persevering for us.
eva says
Just want to thankyou for many enjoyable hours! I appreciate all the work that goes into your world’s and people! And don’t care about nitpicky details that might not be right in the real world. So THANK YOU ALL!!! Please don’t stop.
AP says
I was a proofreader in a past life but never an editor so those kind of errors jump out for me. I just enjoy getting caught up in the story, knowing it’s draft and that your team of smart people will catch it.
That being said, what I have found the most jarring has been listening to errors in some of the audiobooks when they don’t match the written word. I still enjoy re-listening but not as much as I enjoy re-reading the books because those errors just pull me out of the story.
Ann says
I love every bit of this post.
Patricia says
So i like when I notice changes from what you post and what is the final version. I might be weird for that and I don’t care. I’m kind of weird anyway, ask my kids. I notice changes in my own writing as I progress with different articles or presentations so I like to see the different changes from one iteration to the next so from the versions you give us on the blog or in innkeeper chapters and then the final versions. So thank you!
Carol says
Both my daughters announced to me that they intended to become authors. One of the first things I offered in response was to read this blog because you have such an amazing interaction with your readers. Plus it’s incredibly informative regarding your craft. And writing is a craft… a work of art. There are so many points in the comments from my fellow readers tha I agree with: take care of yourselves as well as you do your kids; thank you for sharing yourselves along with your profession; I love snippets and new work and things like texting dialogue between charaters and even interactions between characters from different books (so much fun!): lastly THANK YOU!
Tish says
I am loving the Julie story. I am not invested in who she gets involved with along the way. I currently have two MUST read authors, you guys and Nalini Singh. Thank you for all the enjoyment I get from your books.
Angela Anderson says
I love this explanatqion and agree 100%. I create live painting tutorials on YouTube and I get what I call “art police” comments all the time. I always delete them without comment because, seriously, you are going to nit-pick a free video!? The idea of cackling going on just makes my day. You guys are so much fun. Thank you for all you do and for keeping it real.
nrml says
I was trying not to say it, but I have to say it. You are publishing FICTION as you write it, not keeping historical data intact as it unfolds. To worry about a lot of the things you wrote here that people worry about is just plain silly. No matter how you slice it, this entire world in which this tale takes place belongs to the writers, not the real world where we’re all stuck living as we read about it. If you can suspend disbelief to allow people to have magic at their fingertips, what does it matter whose staff turned into a snake in the Bible?
Typos happen. I get frustrated because so many authors rely on spell-check rather than eyeball-check and they stop their cars with breaks because that’s spelled correctly, even if it’s used incorrectly, and life goes on. To me, a typo is totally excusable, but using a homonym is not. And the blog is not the final draft. Read it, enjoy it, and when the final draft is done, get the book and read it again.
Lisa says
I simultaneously understand and don’t understand people who nitpick their favorite authors to death (I’m very Shroedinger’s cat that way).
On the one hand, there are errors. Big whoop. To pick those apart in a serial story is just puerile. Especially when you’ve made your position on the entire thing extremely clear.
On the other hand, I think it’s the reader’s attempt to become a part of that story, to be able to say that they had some influence on writers of the Authorlord’s caliber. It’s also a little sad. It’s like being a potato chip crumb in the bottom of the bag. You’re no different from all the other crumbs. You can only admire from afar the big chips that get the dip. You’ll probably wind up in the trash can with the bag, or stuck to someone’s thumb and then washed down the drain.
Maria Z says
But what happens if all the little crumbs unite? They are either a big crumb or become panko and can be used on chicken wings and then have access to the dipping sauce. Everyone wins.
Siobhan says
+1
Lisa says
Precisely!
sharon says
Please people, just be grateful and enjoy the story…i know I am…we could all be a little kinder to each other
Ann M says
I have given your post some thought, which is unusual for me. I am not a very deep thinker. In fact, I am just deep enough to know that I am shallow. I would rather you take some more time for yourselves and/or your writing, than reading and answer comments. I don’t believe that anything earth shattering is in 99.9% of the comments. We usually thank you because we enjoy your stories very much. You probably know how appreciated you are from the large number of visits to your site and purchases. So, please don’t feel obligated to keep space for, or to read, comments on your site.
I am sure that the veteran in House Andrews knows the KISS principle. In your case I would just use the first three letters. Keep it simple. Thank you for your wonderful stories and take care of yourselves.
Lw says
I love your stories more than I love the Oxford comma, so I keep my comments, other than praise and gratitude for your work, to myself. You create what I cannot, and I appreciate your enormous generosity and skill.
Lisa says
Ditto!
Breann says
I love the Oxford comma too! ????
Jean Morgan says
Holy Cow, read your press kit, I am very impressed with your determination and how you stuck with it. I rarely critique as I know what I like, but don’t feel I’m an expert in anything ????, I only know that you’re fantastic. Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad you aren’t a scientist ????
GailinPgh says
If comments become too onerous, please disable commenting rather than stop yourselves. We can live without commenting. Living without your work would be sad.
Cheryl says
For Ilona and Gordan
In many ways I actually hope you don’t see my post.
Your books are amazing and are a very complete world, on my first read through I can assure you I don’t notice punctuation at all as I’m desperately trying to get to the next page. I am consumed by your story and I’ve moved into the world. You have a very good fact guide so I do not notice any glaring issues in your world that jar me out of the fantasy world I an now living in.
In the modern world we all live in, the demand to be available 24/7 takes over us all. If covid 19 has taught us anything perhaps it’s the value of slowing down and actually living in the moment rather than dashing to the next. It is amazing for authors to take feedback / comments from their readers but there should not be a demand for them to do so nor should the author feel obliged to respond to everyone, for in doing so the author must give up precious time that must come from either their writing time or their ‘free’ time and therefore answering comments becomes another job.
Long may you continue to write so that I can continue to exist in Atlanta (Post Shift), Houston (as a member of House Baylor) and stay at the Gertrude Hunt when I need to recharge.
Thank you for your gifts.
Suzanne says
It makes me sad sometimes to read how much time you have to spend adressing these things. You have given me so much joy and happiness with your stories and the chance to escape in your incredible world that you have built for us. I hope you can still feel our gratitude and enjoyment in between these comments and let these nitpickers slide off into oblivion. You make my life so much better, thank you for every story and all the time you put into it!
Hilly says
I keep in mind that fiction is just that, fiction. It’s right, it’s wrong, it’s whatever comes out of the mind of the creator. If we all had to have everything based in total reality and absolutely perfect, we would never be able to read and enjoy some truly great works from equally great and imaginative literary minds, i.e. Ilona Andrews 😉
I read quite a bit and cringe at some of what I read, but unless it involves my profession, I don’t critique unless asked and am absolutely sure of grammar and content. As the saying goes, “Everyone’s a critic!”
Now, ironically, I add my two cents…LOL I am glad to have your contributions during this time, however it arrives and thank you for taking time out of this stressful period for all to bring some smiles. It makes me happy! Cheers to you both 🙂
Lisa says
Not apropos of this board, but clueless as to where it should go- I tried to send an email to general inquiry and there was no send button? Was there a trick I’m not clued into? I’m not very bright.
Lizzy says
I wish Kelley Armstrong had your same policy, but then she’s doing her first novel in this way. I find I have to avoid the comments because they are full of everyone pulling sentence structure apart.
Ilona says
Kills it a bit, doesn’t it? ::sigh:: People end up fixated on the comments instead of the narrative and not in a fun way. Like it’s very fun to see when people speculate and try to guess where the story will go, but it’s a lot less fun when people snipe at each other over grammatical expertise.
Jazmine says
Love reading your blog! I think I stalk it weekly for snippets and Ryder. Maybe the last post wasn’t viewed as much because of the redesign? I normally get blog newsletters either a day later than the posts or several hours later in the day. Anyways thanks for clarifying and bringing us back to the KD world.
dlma says
I adore you! (cackle, cackle)
Carol says
Your blog is excellent. Can’t wait for it.
Sue says
To you,
In these times of uncertainty and strife, you bring a joy to those that read your work.
I anxiously await each new chapter or book, and look forward to your blog.
Please keep writing for those of us who enjoy the imagination and wonder you bring to your mind adventures.
Thank you
Sunny says
Seriously. People who nit pick your writing need to get a life. You are awesome. You write engaging stories that make us obsessive fans who all check your blog for posts to brighten our day.. I really don’t get why people would try and find fault. Life is hard enough. Your writing brings joy.
Rebecca says
As an editor, I understand the urge to point out an error, but as a new blogger (and one who has to edit her own work), I now better understand the importance of corrections being presented in the right tone and in the right place.
I absolutely want to know if there’s an error in my work. It’s embarrassing for an editor to have typos! But having them pointed out publicly is even more embarrassing.
It’s a bit like seeing a woman walk out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked into her underwear. It’s an honest mistake on her part, and if we’re honest, we’ve all been there or somewhere similar. So, what do you do?
Do you yell across the room, “Hey, you’re skirt’s tucked in your underwear!”? Or do you walk up to her and discreetly whisper it in her ear?
That’s the difference between posting a correction in comments (whether you do so kindly or snidely) and sending a private email.
Having said all that, I love y’all’s work, and it is some of the most error-free writing I come across these days. Even the best editors miss a few mistakes, and your worlds are so detailed that something is bound to slip through.
Thank you for the wonderful stories you produce and for taking the time to give the restrained and mature explanation above.
I look forward to reading everything you come out with in the future!
Vas says
Many people who are creative know you cannot be creative
and critical at the same time. Many writers do their editing AFTER they get all their creativity down on “paper”!
Being critical while writing stops the flow!!!
Vas says
I also love your writing. Please consider adding King of Fire from September 30th 2018 post as a prologue to this book! I also love your more complete description of Julie learning magic theory from Roland. It was fabulous. I would love it if it was included! Anyway much h love to you both And Happy Fathers day!
Susan says
I agree!
Vas says
Oops, that is June 30th 2018 King of Fire post for a prologue would fill in some needed story I feel. Anyway I love your writing!
Sheryl Winters says
I am grammar deficient. When I post on facebook, my aunt corrects me. I so get this blog more than you know..
Skippy says
What a great, informative, cheerful post. Once again you’ve put a big smile on my face and in my heart for no particular reason. Thanks so much for all you do.
Happy Father’s Day, Gordon!
Kristan Paige says
I’m a professional editor. I never comment on the errors I see. You have people who do that for you, and I have absolute faith that everything will get fixed in time. I’m really glad you address things like this. Your interactions with your readers really set you apart from other authors.
Linda says
I yet you so much. I myself have to read things many times to understand what you wrote. Me l would live in books of I could.though I want a flushing toilet. Good food and to be able to watch ok or is that what others want too?
Lila says
Thank you for doing this. Weekly enjoyment in good story for free? You are bloody angels.
Linda says
I hope that all my comments are just kudos for the authors who spend their time making me (and others) happy.
Raissa says
It’s surprise me that after all these years Ilona andrews has to post this. I should think by now that everyone knows the différence between their free stories on the blog and what they actually put for sale. Look at the innkeeper free stories and what was eventually published this is clean well edited stories. What they put on the blogs is a draft and am grateful for it as I’ve seen over the years how other authors handle such things ( I won’t go into that) so lets all keep in mind that they are humans too and keep the know it all to ourselves.
kitkat9000 says
I’d love to turn off my internal editor, but it rarely agrees with me. That said, I don’t critique anyone’s work publicly- as that’s neither my place nor my responsibility.
I am sorry, however, that you & Gordon are regularly inundated with such nitpicking minutiae. Serious props for your patience and unwavering kindness. I could never do what you do.
Wey says
You give your readers access to first drafts of your work. First drafts have errors, I get nervous about letting anyone read stuff I’ve written, your confidence and ability in your craft is inspiring and well deserved.
When you put a new chapter up I squee and read sections out loud to my boyfriend, who hasn’t read any of your books. Offering free fiction the way you do sets you apart from other authors in very unique way. The first of your books I became a fan of were Inkeeper, then Kate, then anything I got my mitts on. Your free fiction helps me feel connected to your worlds while waiting for your next published piece.
Thank you
Florence says
Me I just like to read your stories. Happy that you post and I can snuggle up in bed and enjoy it. The editorial stuff unless it is epic is for the editors or beta readers who are reading for work and sometimes enjoyment ???? so glad not me???? as would miss it all being caught up in the story and all!
Next Ryder installment waiting⏳ and August release tbh could have been brought forward due to global crisis. Really publisher what were you thinking of ????
Enjoy and hope your daughter settled ok.