What makes me an insecure writer this month?
The good news is that my editor only has fifty pages left to edit. The bad news is that she only has fifty pages left to edit. 😔😔
I'm been pretty relaxed (meaning unproductive) on the writing front these past couple of months. I work on the sequel whenever I can, and I spend lots of time reading about marketing. But as far as my original manuscript is concerned (the one with the editor), out of sight means out of mind. I hardly ever think about it--except when my editor sends me a update on her progress and my bowels tighten a little more.
Eventually the manuscript is going to be returned, and that's scary. God knows how many changes I'll have to make, or how long it will take to make them. I've sometimes found it hard to buckle down and work on the sequel, but once I get my manuscript back from the editor, I suspect I'll be finding all sorts of reasons to work on the sequel instead of dealing with the edits.
November's question: What's harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?
Writing the blurb, definitely. A blurb has to convey so much to the prospective buyer. Who the main character is. What he/she wants. What's stopping them from reaching that goal, and what are the stakes?
A title just has to sound cool and make the reader say hmmm....
Besides, a title is way shorter.
Take care everyone, and stay safe!
ChemistKen
I think it would be exciting to get your edits back and see the ways you can make your book even better! I'm with you. I title is easy. Blurbs not so much!
ReplyDeleteWhen I get my edits back, I like to separate the easy stuff (continuity errors, etc.) from the harder stuff (like when the editor thinks another suspect should be the perpetrator). Makes it somehow seem more manageable, ha.
ReplyDeleteWhen you get your manuscript back, it won't be as bad as you think. Yes, there will be red - just make most of the suggested changes and that will solve almost all of the issues. Rewriting sections is what will take a bit of time.
ReplyDeleteYou're going to have fun with those edits!
ReplyDeleteBlurbs are so hard!!!
I can relate to how you feel about the editing process. Excited and stressed. But it'll be okay. And soon you'll have your book published for all to see. Then the horror of marketing starts. Good luck, Ken. It'll be fun.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to being nervous about getting a critique from an editor. It's like a letter from an agent or editor at a publishing company. But II bet the revisions will be easier than you think.
ReplyDeleteWoot woot for edits! It is nice to be able to sit back for a while, isn't it? And if anyone knows about avoiding edits, it'd be me. I still haven't touched the ones I'm supposed to be doing for book 2...
ReplyDeleteDon't equate being unproductive with being relaxed. Think of it as time to regain energy for your next big push. When that manuscript returns, you'll be able to tackle it full-force.
ReplyDeleteEditing is stressful. I don't even like editing other people's stuff. But just think how much better the story will be for it.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what feedback the editor supplies, it's all about making your work sparkle. The two of you have the same goal, and together you're going to make something great.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I think the consensus is that titles are easier, but then I always think - could I find an even better one?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the edits won't be as bad as you think. It's good you're working on the sequel because you're still in the story. Maybe that would help you refine the first book even more, too.
The waiting game is so tough! You're doing an excellent job distracting your thoughts. Great blurb tips too!
ReplyDeleteMy best advice is to put your rhino suit on, read the comments, stay calm, consider them and give them time to sink in, and be open to change. BUT remember you are the author. The final decision is yours. Any critique, no matter how expert, is still just one person's opinion.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer for you is that you have an editor who shares your vision for the story, and that the feedback you get is good and helpful.
It really is an exciting exercise to come up with titles and book blurbs! I'm sure your story will read much smoother after edits!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on those edits. I tend to do that out of sight and out of mind too.
ReplyDeleteRelaxed! I love it! That is precisely what I am in terms of writing right now.
ReplyDeleteI agree - blurbs are tough. Editing is like exercise - it's a PITA, but you're always glad you did it afterwards. 😆
I'm with you on title over blurb. Good luck with your edits.
ReplyDeleteYou'll manage the edits just fine, Ken! It must be amazing to have an editor and your book in progress! Enjoy a little down time. You've earned it!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is helpful, but when I got my first round of edits back from my editor, it was kind of a relief. Before, I had this general anxiety about the whole manuscript. Afterward, I had a list of specific issues that needed to be addressed. That felt a lot more manageable to me. Hopefully you're experience will be similar!
ReplyDeleteGood for you having an editor to critique your manuscript. Yes, sometimes it hurts to see the shreds that come back. I bet there won’t be many edits. Think positive. Someone wants to publish your manuscript. Bravo to you, Ken! More power to you!
ReplyDeleteFrom the other blogs I've visited on the hop, it seems like writing the blurb is far more hated than writing a title. I certainly agree, ha.
ReplyDeleteWay to go with having an editor. When those notes come, just take a little at a time. You can do this!
ReplyDeleteSuper blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteWhen I get edits back, I skim through them--sometimes wanting to scream in frustration--then let them sit for a few days. As others have said, do the little stuff first. Good luck. Can't wait to read this story.
ReplyDelete