How do you know that your manuscript is ready to submit? When you are on the road to trying to get published for the first time, like I am, it is hard to know when it is ready. I have re-read, revised and re-written. I have put it away for awhile, pulled it back out again and repeated the process. Is it ever really ready?
Should I just let it go? Is it ready for a professional eye? I know I have blogged about ‘getting this party started’, but here I am, hesitating. I’m reaching out – any comments or advice?
On another note, I am putting together a fun blog give-a-way. Be sure to check back next week for the details.
14 comments:
Man, I have been through this (still going through it, in truth). I think when any changes you make start to be inconsequential to the story . . . or when your beta readers are giving thumbs up . . .
I don't think it'll ever feel perfect, but at some point, you have to let go.
Best of luck!
That is such a tough spot! I'd say when you think it's absolutely ready, put it away for a while, have a few others read it who will give you an honest opinion, and then come back to it after you've taken a week or two's break. Stephen King says to wait SIX MONTHS! But that's like torture for me! I jump the gun too soon and end up ruining my chances because I've submitted material that I thought was ready and it wasn't...so it's better to be safe than sorry! You only get one chance to contact an agent on something. You can also hire a freelance editor, which is what I did, but they can get pretty spendy. They are "in the know" however and I've gotten excellent advice that I think will really benefit me this time around. Good luck!
Elana Johnson wrote on this today. You just have to trust your gut. Have you had any crit partners review it? I am excited for you. I am teetering in the same spot. Wondering if I should start to query or not. I am putting it out to a crit group one more time. The hard part about that is that someone can ALWAYS find something to pick at. So really - it's up to you! Keep us posted.
It's always good to get some fresh eyes to look it over before you send it out. But in the end, you go with your feeling and send it out. Congrats! ; )
If you are anything like me, it's never going to be 'ready', so if you've done the critique/beta readers thing, if you've revised it a trillion times, it's time. Send it out.
I think when you get to a point where you're just rearranging stuff and not really changing anything meaningful, and when you just feel in your gut that there's not much more you can do - send it out! It may get accepted out of the gate :) or if it comes back, it may have some helpful suggestions for improvement that you hadn't thought of yourself. But there comes a time when you have to let go and move on to the next one. Now I'm curious... what's the fun giveaway? :)
It's very hard to know when to stop... I guess you just have to take the plunge and dive in - the water's fine!
I think when you've done you're best, that's all that matters. Trust yourself and go for it! Congrats for getting your book this far, what an achievement. Good luck!
I do think it is important to shelve it for a while and return with fresh eyes. But you have done that! I am with the others on go with your gut!
I think I am done when I can't stand to read the manuscript even one more time. But, of course, the story is never really done and could always use more work.
Go with your gut Maeve. Once you send it out — you will hopefully receive more feedback. Good luck.
I think once the changes are very minor, it's ready to go. There will always be tweeking and finetuning, especially if you get agent feedback. Best wishes with your querying!
I like to put it aside for a bit. Maybe even work on another project then peek back at it to see if it's ready to go out or back to the critique group. Best of luck Maeve.
p.s. I tagged in a meme on my blog. Check it out when you have time.
Thank you all for your comments, support and kindness! I truly appreciate it. - Maeve
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