James A. Michener papers

Collection

James A. Michener papers

• 1985-1989 (Creation)

9.00 linear feet (16 document cases and 1 record storage carton)

The James A. Michener Papers consist of correspondence, notes, research materials and drafts of manuscripts created and compiled by best-selling author James A. Michener (1907-1997) in the course of his work on the novel Caribbean (1989).

Correspondence and memoranda found within the files provides information concerning the intellectual preparation required to compose an historical novel that spans more than four hundred years. Michener chose to preserve the results of his research and editorial efforts  "... so that aspiring writers can see what work lies ahead for them if they finally succeed. Stated better, what work they will have to do if they want to succeed." Exchanges with editorial staff members throughout the stages of manuscript preparation, and the concurrent suggestions, recommendations and revisions to the manuscript noted on various "copies" of the manuscript illuminate the internal aspects of the modern publishing industry.

The author includes notes and correspondence concerning the logistical, financial and personal decisions that influence the creative process. The pervasive degree of experimentation, discovery and change inherent in the process of creative writing appears throughout the stages of this manuscript. The very title of the novel, Caribbean, is a reflection of this evolutionary process, for the author first conceived on calling the volume Lost in the Sun.

The Michener Papers consist of six linear feet of files, housed in fifteen boxes, and arranged in two series. The arrangement of the Papers and the terminolgy used for folder titles maintains, to the degree possible, the original organization of the files. 

SERIES I: RESEARCH FILES, consists of notes, correspondence, memoranda and research materials created and compiled by James A. Michener for this novel, Caribbean.  A small quantity of other research materials may also be found within selected files of manuscript "copies," as maintained by the author.  Files in this series contain historical research materials on the Caribbean region, including maps, articles and timelines for important events.  Additional files document the author's thoughts  concerning the scope and vision of this novel, and include bibliographies, worksheets and character lists.

SERIES II: MANUSCRIPT FILES, consists of drafts of the manuscript throughout the creative and editorial process.  The manuscript exists in six primary stages. 

The original manuscript, exists as the author typed the pages, before a single correction is considered.  Michener acknowledges that "I would never want it to be published in this form ... it is very raw."

Revised Manuscript files represent the second stage of the novel. Within this copy of the manuscript, the author has inserted numerous revisions and changes. Michener's physical process for accomplishing this work involves a pre-word processing operation of cutting and pasting new text, inserting additional or revised language, and revising inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Following this personal exercise, the manuscript is re-typed with the use of a word processor. Revised Manuscript files include both "cut and paste" pages and the "clean" text produced by the word processor.

Final Draft Manuscript files represent the author's finished work. Michener describes the text "as good as I can make it at the moment... but I have no estimate whether others will think it good or bad, or whether the reader will want to stay with it to the end." This manuscript is forwarded to the publisher, and the editorial process begins once more. The files also contain a copy of the manuscript as produced on the word processor, with occasional editorial comments supplied by the author or the editor.

Edited Manuscript files contain the comments of the copy editor, as assigned by the publisher. Editorial questions and comments are either typed out separately or applied directly to the manuscript. The exchange of ideas, text and language requires the diligent effort of both parties. For this novel, the editorial process required six months. Upon completion, the current manuscript is deemed acceptable to both parties.

Final Manuscript files are the production of a language specialist, not the copy editor, who examines every sentence for accuracy and style. This process is designed to create an accurate manuscript, one devoid of factual errors, unnecessary repetition and related matters. The manuscript thus proceeds to the printer, and typed galleys are produced. The paper-bound volume is an accurate representation of the published book, although the text remains open to corrections by the writer, editors, and proof readers.

Author's Galleys files are Michener's personal copy of the galley proofs, printed on one side of each page. The writer is responsible for a review of each line of text, and has the opportunity to supply corrections deemed necessary. The inclusion of these changes and the completion of another proof reading represent the final pre-publication steps.

Other Material files include a wide range of materials related to the editorial work and publication of a modern novel. The printing of the finished book proceeds in concert with a number of related activities including the preparation of text, images, and designs for the book jacket. The preparation of "slip sheets," special printed pages autographed by the author and inserted into a limited number of the volumes, also occurs at this stage.

"Dead Material" files consist of draft pages from various stages of the manuscript, as returned to the author by the publishing company. The pages are often duplicate material from the files of the publisher or the author. The pages are retained here for their potential value in contributing to an understanding of the complete manuscript.

This collection is open for research.

This collection is kept in an off-campus storage facility. Please contact Special Collections at asc.library@miami.edu with the boxes you are interested in prior to your visit, and allow up to 1 week for delivery of materials.

James A. Michener Papers finding aid © 1991 University of Miami. Requests to reproduce or publish materials from this collection should be directed to asc.library@miami.edu.

• English

• Latin

Finding aid updated by Yvette Yurubi, Processing Archivist, 12-05-24.

• American literature -- 20th century
• Authors and publishers

• Michener, James A. (James Albert), 1907-1997 (Subject)

• Articles
• Drafts (documents)
• Manuscripts (documents)
• Maps (documents)
• Scores (documents for music)