Yesterday, fellow 2014 debut author Michelle Schusterman posted some editorial trivia on Twitter:
So of course I needed to write a stet parody song based on the Beatles’ “Let It Be.” I would sing it for you, but a) I currently have bronchitis and b) I have a terrible singing voice even when I don’t have bronchitis. So for your reading pleasure:
Let It Stand
When I find my draft in times of trouble, my editor will take my hand,
Speaking words of edits, let it stand.
And in my draft’s revision, she decides against her first demand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, let it stand
Write down words of edits, let it stand.
And when the copyedits come in, asking me to please expand
There will be a respite, let it stand.
For though there may be edits, my draft still shows what I had planned.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, let it stand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.
And when my draft is choppy, there is still a phrase that sounds so grand.
Say again in Latin, let it stand.
When I read through my copyedits, there’s a word I understand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah let it stand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.
I know. Paul McCartney is really worried that I’m going to surpass him as a songwriter. (Also, they say “let it be” a LOT in this song.)
Since I’ve been rejected by so many agents (for my 1st book), what I’ve heard so far is more like “Hey Jude”: Nah, nah, nah nah nah nah…”
Hahaha! You should totally write that parody; sometimes we writers need that kind of laugh.
My nickname in my hometown is “Dude,” or sometimes “Hey Dude,” so that would be appropriate.
@funnyphilosopher: LOL
@Annie: This song is so creative and hilarious! Maybe you should consider songwriting. 😀
Loved this so much that I Tweeted it. 🙂
Thank so much, Emily!
Genius! I always wondered what stet actually stood for or came from, I’ll never forget now!
Same here! I’d assumed that it was an acronym.
Me too, I used to play around with options but nothing made sense…
That is now stuck in my head.
Yeah, I didn’t realize how much of an ear-worm this one is.
THIS IS ACTUAL BRILLIANCE.
I LOVE it!!!! You did a great job and it’s perfect. Shall have this in my head all day!