copyright: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
This will be a short post, as I just got my manuscript back from my developmental editor, and I am contemplating incinerating it. I had hoped I could make some revisions … and then I could move on to the next phase of the self-publishing process. And yes, I can do that. I can easily disagree with the feedback my editor gave me, be headstrong and stubborn about my work ….
But I won’t. She has far more experience than me, and after all– isn’t that what I paid her for? Of course we all secretly hope that our editors will send us feedback that says: WOW! AMAZING! DON’T CHANGE A THING! BEST SELLER!
Sure. I highly doubt even the most successful writers heard that from their editors (well, maybe after 5 rewrites).
Anyways, what am I trying to say? My revision work sounds like it will be more of a total re-write. And although that sounds painful, I am just happy that I have the chance to improve my writing before I published it for all the world to see! Guess my book will be on the market a little later than expected!
Do you agree with my decision? Am I crazy for giving up my self-imposed deadline of a July release date for my novel? I have a feeling you will agree. Practice makes perfect, right (well, perfection does not exist)?
Ouch! Criticism always stings, especially from professionals, but you know what they say: no pain, no gain. It’s all for the best. However daunting a task, making the changes will improve your book significantly. And, as you say, it’s what you paid for!
Far better for an editor to tell you this now than a disappointed customer in a review when it’s too late.
Good luck with your rewrites!
Totally agree! Thank you!
Criticism is never fun! I think we all, as writers, are sensitive about our work. I agree with pushing back your deadline and giving you manuscript the time it deserves to be perfect.
I am happy I got the feedback (even though it is hard at first)- but my editor is forcing me to be a better writer … in the long run it is totally worth it!!
Well, that is what you pay the big bucks for right? An additional editors opinion might be a good idea too. @jeancogdell at Jean’s Writing
Thanks- no matter what I will need another pair of eyes for the next phase 🙂
Good luck on your revisions! Just don’t kill yourself over it because no manuscript is ever perfect and even the Big League Authors get bad reviews. (Secret: sometimes I read those bad reviews to remind myself that anything I write will never be perfect and pleasing to everyone.)
Thanks for the response 🙂
As much as it hurts, there will be some truths in what your editor says. Give yourself time to mull it over and work out which bits you really need to change, and the rest will fall into place with some tweaking. You’re a writer and you want your best work out there, so you will think of a new way of fixing the problems – you just need time.
The great thing about self-publishing is that your deadlines are flexible and you are not beholden to anyone else when you decide to change them. My third novel, which I had every intention of uploading to Amazon before Christmas last year, is still being mulled over.
I’ve always been a great fan of Douglas Adams who once said: “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.”
Thank you for the advice- and love that quote!! 🙂
It seems to me like going through and making the necessary revisions will be a great learning experience and should help you in the long run. Good luck with it.
Keep at it! It took me forever to learn to take in even gentle critique and feedback. Such a hard-earned skill that I’ve far from mastered.
I think you’ll know in your heart if your editor’s feedback is valid and if it’ll make your book better. And if the answer to those is, yes, then no doubt it’ll be worth the extension to your deadline. Best of luck!
Thank you so much!