Request to rewrite?

[batgirl]

Looking at 'Submitting to the Black Hole' and adding my few modest contributions to it, I saw that the choices were 'Sale!' 'Rejection' and 'Request to Rewrite'.
Could someone with more experience explain the last one to me? I understand that if one gets a novel accepted by a commercial publisher, there's very likely still a rewrite to come, to fit with house style and make the book better, tighter, more commercial and all those nice things, but that's done under the aegis of one's editor, after the contract, right? This other rewrite comes before the contract, and the contract isn't guaranteed at that point?
How does one tell the difference between a request to rewrite and a helpful rejection letter that points out some problems with the book?
Thanks!
-Barbara

[Jamesaritchie]

How does one tell the difference between a request to rewrite and a helpful rejection letter that points out some problems with the book?
Thanks!
-Barbara

A helpful rejection letter merely points out places where an agent or editor thinks the manuscript is weak. A request for a rewrite always ask you to resubmit the manuscript after you've done the rewriting.

If the letter does not say something like, "We would like to look at the manuscript again after the rewrite is done," then it isn't a request for a rewrite at all, it's simply a helpful rejection letter.

If it is a request for a rewrite, you won't have any trouble knowing it.

[Aconite]

What James said. If the letter says, "If you fix the problems with X and Y, I'd be interested in seeing the manuscript again," it's a request for rewrite.

[James Buchanan]

I've gone through it with one publisher. I got a fairly standard rejection but with a note from one of the editorial panel that said "if you want to try a rewrite and discuss this further contact me." So, of course I did. Basically she spelled out the things that made it "not right for thier readership," but that the story as a whole had a great deal of merit. If those things were fixed they'd be willing to take a look at it again (with a direct pass the possiblity of the slush pile on that go round). Even if they didn't want it the second time around (and they didn't) I figured it was worth a shot a rewriting based on a "professional" critique. It's a much better book even though it will never match "thier" market dynamics.

[veinglory]

I had a request to rewrite quite extensively and treated it like a rejection. Big mistake. they were kind enough to get back in touch and prompted me to make the rewrites which addressed some major plot issues and improved the novella in question immensely..

[batgirl]

Thank you, all!
Um. Then I think the rejection from Luna may have been a request for rewrite. Um. I'll have to check the exact wording when I get home, but it was something like 'if you want to revise along the suggested lines, you could resubmit'.
Another question then. If one resubmits after revision, does one address the resubmission to the editor who signed the rejection, sorry, request? Or just mention it in the cover letter?
-Barbara (mildly stunned now, although better informed)

[waylander]

I think it would be a good idea to reply to the editor who signed your response thanking them for taking the time to comment on your work and saying that you will be taking them up on their invitation to resubmit, but it will take a few months before it is ready.

[Aconite]

Congratulations, Barbara! Luna's a good market.

I don't recommend taking a few months on the rewrite if you can help it. BIC, woman! Get typing! :D

[zeprosnepsid]

I actually got a request to rewrite from an agent once. She was interested and said to rewrite and get back to her. It's not unheard of I suppose. But she was pretty direct about it, didn't have to read through the lines or nothing.

[Jamesaritchie]

Thank you, all!
If one resubmits after revision, does one address the resubmission to the editor who signed the rejection, sorry, request? Or just mention it in the cover letter?
-Barbara (mildly stunned now, although better informed)

Both. Address it to that editor, and mention it in the cover letter. And it doesn't hurt to stamp/type/write "requested material" on the outside on the envelope/box, etc.

[batgirl]

Thanks again, especially James for specifics! Here's what the letter said, and maybe you can see why I wasn't sure about it:
(After some specific comments about good and bad aspects of the book, naming one of the characters, etc.):
"Again, thank you for thinking of us. We wish you all the best in your future projects, and in developing your craft. If you are interested in revisiting the flow of the plot, to make it more dynamic and better paced, you can resubmit the project for our reconsideration if you so choose."

The first part of that last para sounds kind of boiler-plate, but the last sentence sounded like a good thing. Then I was putting my stats up on the Black Hole, started to wonder, and brought it to the fount of all knowledge here.
Aconite, luckily I'd already started revising along the lines suggested, cutting the "too many introspective moments and explanations" because, well, the crit was right. I've taken out almost 10k over two-and-a-half weekends, and the book is better for it - but my co-writer has to approve the cuts and add her own yet.
-Barbara (wielding the delete button feverishly)

[Jamesaritchie]

Thanks again, especially James for specifics! Here's what the letter said, and maybe you can see why I wasn't sure about it:
(After some specific comments about good and bad aspects of the book, naming one of the characters, etc.):
"Again, thank you for thinking of us. We wish you all the best in your future projects, and in developing your craft. If you are interested in revisiting the flow of the plot, to make it more dynamic and better paced, you can resubmit the project for our reconsideration if you so choose."

The first part of that last para sounds kind of boiler-plate, but the last sentence sounded like a good thing. Then I was putting my stats up on the Black Hole, started to wonder, and brought it to the fount of all knowledge here.
Aconite, luckily I'd already started revising along the lines suggested, cutting the "too many introspective moments and explanations" because, well, the crit was right. I've taken out almost 10k over two-and-a-half weekends, and the book is better for it - but my co-writer has to approve the cuts and add her own yet.
-Barbara (wielding the delete button feverishly)

Sure sound like you're on the right track. Good luck!