Pacific County Jail Cell, 1885-1910

I suppose expressions like the one I used in this title are soon to be labeled ‘politically incorrect’ by those, like me, who are advocating stricter background checks and more gun control. Nevertheless, right now it is an expression that totally reflects my position during the current spate of emails flying back and forth between me and my editor in Charleston, South Carolina.

She and I have disagreed over every aspect of this book so far and she has yet to see the text! Although yesterday was my deadline, I am loathe to turn in the manuscript until we settle the matter of the title. I thought it was a done deal several months ago (silly me) and my ‘front matter’ (preface, introduction etc.) is written reflecting said done deal. Jailhouse Stories from the Jumping-Off Place with a possible subtitle Tales from Early Pacific County.

Pacific County Jail Building, 1875-1892

I will need to do some serious re-thinking and a bit of re-writing if the title changes appreciably. Thus far, we have not come to an agreement – not surprising since ‘they’ (the editor reports that the ‘publisher’ has also weighed in) have not yet read the book and are more-or-less making it up as they go along. Right now they are considering titles like Culprits, Convicts and Time Served which is catchy but not reflective of this book at all. As you might expect, it’s all about marketing — what will grab the book-reader’s eye, never mind what’s between the covers.

Speaking of such, yesterday, we also ‘discussed’ the back cover verbiage. I sent in my suggested copy as requested. It came back ‘lightly’ rewritten – just enough to put a different twist on Pacific County then and now. Oy vey! And then there were some new suggestions for cover photos, some of which are spectacular but have nothing whatsoever to do with us or our area, then, now, or in my wildest dreams. Talk about re-visualizing history! YIKES!