What happens when authors get so big and famous, people would buy their book even if it was about 40,000 words too long? It is not always a question of quality - these authors are often very talented writers. But at what point does an editor just say 'Oh just leave it, people will buy it regardless.'
This is something I have picked up on a lot over the last few months. JK Rowling's first offering post-Harry Potter has had harsh criticism from readers who say it is too long and that there is just too much going on to keep it engaging. 150 pages in, I am starting to agree - and sadly, still waiting for the book to really start! Though I'm still hopeful it will all come together in the end.
Rowling has been quoted as saying that she wrote this book for herself. She clearly has made so much money from the Harry Potter books that she could probably live the rest of her life without writing another word - but an imagination like that should not be kept hidden (in my humble opinion!).
Even bestselling (and much-loved, here at Novelicious) authors - who have published numerous books with tremendous success - have come out with ones that I thought could have been trimmed back a bit. It's not that any particular section screams out as bad - more that when you put it all together you start to wonder if they couldn't have got to the point just a little faster... Perhaps this is just because I am more accustomed to reading slightly shorter books. I am a voracious reader and I love devouring a great, complex, interwoven plot. But I find myself looking at enormous, 500+ page books and letting out a little exasperated sigh.
So what do you think? Should authors be kept sharply in line by editors? Or have some authors earned the right to be a bit indulgent?
Let us know - especially all you lovely authors who have experienced this yourself...
