What are derivative devices in literature

Newkidontheblock · 05-08-2012, 05:56 PM

One of the reviews I received from a Beta reader used that term. Any ideas as to what they meant. I could ask them but I dont want to sound like an idiot.

Michael,
I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I enjoyed your book very much, it had some interesting plot points, and derivative devices.

Keroberos · 05-08-2012, 06:18 PM

I would think they meant that some elements in the book are derivative of other works (seems to be a positive for them). I personally wouldn't consider anyone an idiot that asked me for clarification on anything I said or wrote. So I would recommend just asking them.

fjtorres · 05-08-2012, 06:26 PM

By now pretty much *everything* is derivative of something else to *some* extent.
Where it can be a problem is when it is too close and too *recognizably similar* to something else.

taustin · 05-08-2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newkidontheblock

One of the reviews I received from a Beta reader used that term. Any ideas as to what they meant. I could ask them but I dont want to sound like an idiot.

Michael,
I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I enjoyed your book very much, it had some interesting plot points, and derivative devices.

I would parse that as the plot points and derivative devices being interesting. And devices to be a reference to plot devices. Derivative from other plot points in the same book, as in, this leads to that, and that leads to the other thing? Seems more likely if it's intended as a compliment.

But you'd do far better to ask the person who wrote it what they mean. Otherwise, you could take honest negative feedback as a compliment. What's worse? Looking like an idiot, or being one? I've tried both, and prefer the former.

Ravensknight · 05-08-2012, 06:41 PM

To me, sounds like they mean you copied something from another book and made it your own.
Ask for specifics. Cause it is a general throw-away term in my opinion if not backed up.

nogle · 05-08-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newkidontheblock

One of the reviews I received from a Beta reader used that term. Any ideas as to what they meant. I could ask them but I dont want to sound like an idiot.

Michael,
I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I enjoyed your book very much, it had some interesting plot points, and derivative devices.

It would make perfect sense if it were a book about puts, calls, futures, and swaps. But otherwise, it would need clarification.

charlesatan · 05-08-2012, 11:00 PM

I'd honestly need the context (the entire sentence) to understand it, but the easiest way is probably just ask your beta reader to clarify

Giggleton · 05-08-2012, 11:43 PM

I think the interesting thing here is the use of the term beta reader.

Newkidontheblock · 05-09-2012, 01:45 AM

Why is that interesting Giggle?

Giggleton · 05-09-2012, 02:00 AM

Because it abandons the notion of a finished text.

Newkidontheblock · 05-09-2012, 09:32 AM

ok, thanks for responding.

Giggleton · 05-09-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newkidontheblock

ok, thanks for responding.

lol, here's something else, by beta reading a text, has the beta reader become part of the texts creation?

charlesatan · 05-09-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giggleton

I think the interesting thing here is the use of the term beta reader.

It's always been used by writers.

Giggleton · 05-10-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlesatan

It's always been used by writers.

And yet many still believe a text to be a singular act of creation...

Newkidontheblock · 05-10-2012, 01:35 AM

No, they are not part of it, just first to witness it. They were reading a full novel. It has not been professionally edited but complete. Now, as the name said I am new to all of this but from what I have read and been told, this is what I need to do. I also like the feedback I get. It gives me some Idea of what to expect from the agents that requested fulls.

05-08-2012, 05:56 PM	#1
Newkidontheblock Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 2532 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kentucky Device: none	What are derivative devices in literature One of the reviews I received from a Beta reader used that term. Any ideas as to what they meant. I could ask them but I dont want to sound like an idiot. Michael, I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I enjoyed your book very much, it had some interesting plot points, and derivative devices.

05-10-2012, 01:35 AM	#15
Newkidontheblock Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 2532 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kentucky Device: none	No, they are not part of it, just first to witness it. They were reading a full novel. It has not been professionally edited but complete. Now, as the name said I am new to all of this but from what I have read and been told, this is what I need to do. I also like the feedback I get. It gives me some Idea of what to expect from the agents that requested fulls. Last edited by Newkidontheblock; 05-10-2012 at 01:49 AM.

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05-08-2012, 06:18 PM	#2
Keroberos Zealot Posts: 128 Karma: 238654 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Kobo Mini (4GB), Nook Classic wi-fi, iPod Touch (Bluefire Reader)	I would think they meant that some elements in the book are derivative of other works (seems to be a positive for them). I personally wouldn't consider anyone an idiot that asked me for clarification on anything I said or wrote. So I would recommend just asking them.

05-08-2012, 06:26 PM	#3
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	By now pretty much everything is derivative of something else to some extent. Where it can be a problem is when it is too close and too recognizably similar to something else.

05-08-2012, 06:41 PM	#5
Ravensknight Serpent Rider Posts: 1,123 Karma: 10219804 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: Sony 350; Nook STR; Oasis	To me, sounds like they mean you copied something from another book and made it your own. Ask for specifics. Cause it is a general throw-away term in my opinion if not backed up.

05-08-2012, 11:00 PM	#7
charlesatan Addict Posts: 230 Karma: 3799024 Join Date: May 2012 Device: iPad	I'd honestly need the context (the entire sentence) to understand it, but the easiest way is probably just ask your beta reader to clarify

05-08-2012, 11:43 PM	#8
Giggleton Banned Posts: 1,687 Karma: 4368191 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oregon Device: Kindle3	I think the interesting thing here is the use of the term beta reader.

05-09-2012, 01:45 AM	#9
Newkidontheblock Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 2532 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kentucky Device: none	Why is that interesting Giggle?

05-09-2012, 02:00 AM	#10
Giggleton Banned Posts: 1,687 Karma: 4368191 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oregon Device: Kindle3	Because it abandons the notion of a finished text.

05-09-2012, 09:32 AM	#11
Newkidontheblock Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 2532 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kentucky Device: none	ok, thanks for responding.

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