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Working with an Editor

Wiz (possibly Craig Virden's) letter to Robert Cormier

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Wiz (likely Craig Virden) writes what sounds like a second round of comments on a typescript of Tunes for Bears to Dance To. He speaks at length on the village destruction scene and the role and impact of Henry's father. He also mentions clarifying Mr. Levine's perspective and bringing some consistency to how George Graham is addressed. He also makes frequent mention of his care in the author-editor relationship and worries that he may overstep his boundaries despite trying to edit himself in that regard.

Robert Cormier's letter to Craig 29 Jan 1991

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In this five-page typewritten letter from Robert Cormier to Craig (who appears to be his editor), dated 29 Jan 1991, there are pages of line-by-line changes in the manuscript of Tunes for Bears to Dance To. These changes appear to be among the most final, perhaps at the galley or proof stage. This letter and his earlier letter to Craig are windows into sentence-level revision activity on the part of this accomplished writer.

Robert Cormier's letter to Craig 9 Dec 1991

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In this typed two-page letter by Robert Cormier dated 9 Dec 1991 to "Craig" are written line-by-line responses to Craig's editorial questions concerning a draft of Tunes for Bears to Dance To.

Robert Cormier's letter to Norma

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Robert Cormier's letter to Norma (no last name), also a published writer, of 19 March 1982 is a very personal letter. He makes reference to a poet they both know and Cormier does this wonderful "tell her 'wow' for me" note in the letter in an allusion to Marlon Brando. As well, Cormier writes a bit about his former editor, Fabio, and relates some of the difficulties he experienced with him. His struggle to remain positive and grateful in the face of what sounds like a challenging history with him is palpable.

RELATED LINKS:

NPR reviews Genius, a 2016 movie about the author-editor relationship and famous editor Max Perkins, in particular.

Matthew Galloway asks five authors (Haven Kimmel, Calvin Baker, Emily Gould and Don Van Natta Jr.) about how they worked with their book editors in "Five Writers Talk About Their Book Editors" for The Awl.