When is my book really finished?

[abbyroze]

I have learned in the past never to send my first draft out to the publisher. It's so easy to just want to get the thing out there and have it published. But that can be a mistake. A BIG mistake.

I can see now why my manuscript was rejected several times. I thought my book was the next big thing to hit the market with an explosion. But when I got rejected, I thought; certainly someone had been drugging the coffee of that submissions editor. How could he possibly reject such a piece of work--a piece of art! Well, after a month of just sitting on it, (as nothing could possibly make this perfect piece of Picasso in literary form, any better) I began to read it again. And as I did, I began to see quirks and gurks in my story that I hadn't noticed before. Needless to say, I did a rewrite.
I subscribe to Writers Digest and the tips are priceless. I've learned to read the advice of accomplished authors, and to apply what they are saying. Several have said, don't be married to your words. Be willing to change them. And they're right. Looking back, I am so glad that my first works never got published. I would never want to live with that stigma today. If I'm going to be published, I want it to be my very best.

I have also learned to let God lead the timing. We sometimes forget that He is the one who gave us this gift of writing. We have something to say to the world. Let's say it with our very best whether its fiction, fantasy, or sci-fi. Keep them coming back for more.

[cheriehill]

How true! Exceptional Advice for anyone writing to be published. I found myself putting my manuscript away for several months. God can do a work in you during that time which can change perspectives, ideas, and just a different direction that HE wants to take your work (or should I say His work!). As I work on my next book, this is a wonderful reminder. Thank you!
Cherie Hill

[TanyaSue]

Stephen King (I just finished his book "On Writing" and so find myself quoting him often then days. ;) ) suggests letting your manuscript sit for at least six weeks before re-reading and re-working to get a second draft. Then, after writing the second complete draft, select 5-6 trusted people as test readers. Take all their comments and suggestions to create the third draft. Then, sit on it some more before even considering sending it to an agent or editor.

Yes, patience is important. Unfortunately, I am in short supply. Thanks for sharing!

[pprmint777]

While I was ill, the first three chapters of my first novel sat for roughly five years. I realized two things when I picked it up again: It was good and it could be better. As of August, 2006, it's "finished," I think -- I hope. Or not. I've put it down for periods of time and picked it up to reread it, and edit it -- again and again and again! I'm rereading it yet again for the purpose of developing a chapter synopsis. It needs fresh eyes at this point, because I'm afraid I'm seeing what I want it to say instead of what it says. :o

My first attempt at publication failed, of course -- I figured it would be an anomoly for a first-time novelist to get her first book published on the first shot. But it failed, I think, not because it's not a wonderful read, but because I couldn't do a decent query letter (I can now!) and didn't have a clue how to do a synopsis: Dry, like a science paper? Richly detailed? :confused: I'm working on the somewhere-in-between right now. (Someone please! let me know if I'm wrong again.)

God's will, God's timing, abbyroze -- I gotta learn that lesson!!thumbsup!

[paulchernoch]

I just received today my first rejection from a publisher (DAW Books). Now I am asking myself the same question: is it done? If it is not, I no longer know what I can do to improve it, short of hiring an editor which I cannot afford. After three years and nine drafts, I need to learn what it is I do not understand about writing before I can progress.

- Paul

[TanyaSue]

Oh, Paul! I'm sorry to hear that. :( Did they give any personal remarks or just a form letter?

[paulchernoch]

Oh, Paul! I'm sorry to hear that. :( Did they give any personal remarks or just a form letter?

Thanks for the sympathy. It was a form letter. It did say that books rejected by them have become successfully published by others and vice versa. I am polishing my synopsis some more and will send it out again next week to another publisher. In the meantime, I am waiting for a response from an agent.

It is my preference to re-edit my book after every rejection so that each time I am sending out something better than the last time, but I am exhausted and will take a break. Maybe I'll write a short story and try to start smaller. Not sure.

- Paul

[elbib]

Thanks for sharing your experience, abbyroze. Christian critique groups help me polish my work. They help me get a little closer to knowing when my book is "finished". I encourage all writers to be a part of a critique group. Thanks - elbib (Kimberli)