The Write and Wrong of My First Manuscript
I don’t have a book published yet; however, I’ve written several manuscripts. My collection includes three and one-half completed novels for a mystery/romance series and a finished memoir. But none of these books are ready to be published. I’m still an author-in-training. Each book needs more critiquing—more editing.
I learned a lot about the write and wrong of the publishing world while working on my first “book.” I discovered it pays off to complete a novel before starting a new one. Completing a project builds confidence. It creates momentum that carries over to the next writing goal.
- My first project told me I can do it.
- My first book told me I have what it takes to commence and complete projects.
This is huge. Most people who start a book don’t finish it. My first manuscript also showed me how rewarding it is to fall in love with characters. Although they tend to create a mind of their own, it’s fun to uncover their inner conflicts and motivations for why they do--and don’t do--the things they do.
Writing a mystery is especially fun because I don’t find out which suspect did the deed until close to the end of the first draft. And because I love sweet romances, I included this genre as an equal partner in each manuscript (Although I may have to change that in order to fit better on a particular genre's bookshelf.).
I enjoy having both my heart and mind engaged.
The wrong I learned from my first book is I queried agents before I subjected my manuscripts to several rigorous round of critiques. Although I got three requests for a full manuscript (Wow, was I stoked.), they weren’t ready to be published. My idea was good, but my work needed … well… more work. I was invited to resubmit after I polished my projects.
And so the polishing, reading, platform building, networking, and learning have continued since then. I’m grateful for the opportunity to resubmit. I appreciate the generous tips from agents. And I’m thankful for an abundance of writing craft information available for those who desire to learn the write and wrong of how to be published.
I'm nosy-to-know what recent lessons you've learned about the write and wrong of publishing.
Wendy L. Macdonald is an inspirational blogger and podcaster who loves to photograph nature on Vancouver Island. Her byline is: “My faith is not shallow because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” Her main website is wendylmacdonald.com where she enjoys interacting with readers.
