I didn’t mention this before, but I got my manuscript back
from my editor In June. I was so excited. I only asked for copy editing
this time. And my brilliant editor, Janie Goltz, did an excellent job. I’m
actually embarrassed about the simple mistakes she had to keep correcting me
on. Things like, using British English, along with American English in the same
manuscript. And not using the same spelling throughout.
However, I have had this bad habit of not pushing through
the corrections as fast as I should. I could have worked through the entire
book in a week. But I’m taking it slowly. I think I’m scared of publishing,
and now I am sabotaging myself again. I also decided to read my manuscript as I
was applying the change, and immediately had the urge to start tinkering with the manuscript again. I didn’t think it was good
enough. I had simply deleted one sentence on page 3, and stopped myself from
reading the rest of the manuscript. I had done the best I could before submitting
it to my editor. But for some reason, as I was working on applying the changes,
I almost gave in to bad habits again. Like rewriting certain scenes,
and so forth. I’m not doing it this time. Not again.
I could make a quick search and replace all similar words. But I really want to take my time with it. Make one change at a time. Though I won't lie. I'm frustrating myself. And I know I have to start pushing, and motivating myself.
Why is it you think that we keep wanting to write the same
book over and over, and then never moving on to the next book? Or is this problem just me?
Just make the changes she suggested and set it aside for a few days before rereading again. It's probably better than you think and doesn't need much more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex.
Deletejust you
ReplyDeletebwahahahahaha
I knew it 😆
DeleteI'm also guilty of doing this. My first published book, I tinkered and tinkered, especially with the first chapter, trying to make it shine. When I sent it to my publisher, the editor said the opening was weak. I needed something better. I rewrote the chapter again and again- never quite hitting the mark. Then out of pure frustration, I copied and pasted my original opening pages and finally got a thumb's up. I'd worked so hard at being perfect, I was scrubbing out my voice in the story. If Janie didn't suggest a change, I'm betting it was fine the way it was. Trust your editor- especially when you're riddled with insecurity.
ReplyDeleteWe all do this, Murees, it is easier in time if we don’t give up 🌹
DeleteYou are so right, Elizabeth. I rewrote so much on my first book, I did take so much of the soul out of it. And I almost did the same with this one. I am so lucky with Janie.
DeleteThank you, Lost in imaginary worlds. Letting me know I am not alone.
DeleteHi Murees - the quicker you do it - the easier life becomes and you can write some more?! Take care and all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteVery true, Hilary. I started pushing myself a bit harder. So I am finally working on it more and more.
DeleteIT is a comfort thing. Like Poptarts at 2am.
ReplyDeletenew follower.
Thank you for the follow.
Delete