Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I'm working on my debut novel, a romance/suspense, and I'm on the second draft (1st edit?). I read through the full novel and made notes describing each chapter and notes about what to change as well as overreaching notes about plot holes, dropped themes and characterization changes.

Now that I'm 15 chapters into this rewrite I'm noticing all kinds of issuses :lacking points plus, doubting my author's voice, low on suspense, chapters not flowing smoothly.

Not to mention I'm trying to learn about self publishing as well and the more I learn the more I doubt.

Put the ms aside for a short while. Come back to it for a fresh take. This always works for me & many other writers.

As far as learning self-publishing, I suggest you finish the book first. But if you decide to put the book aside for now, then research self-publishing. You'll still be moving forward. YouTube is a great source! I use it all the time.

Good luck,
JP

Forgot to mention: Get the first draft down, don't worry about what's working & what's not. Then edit.

Old saying: "Writing is rewriting,"

John wrote: "Put the ms aside for a short while. Come back to it for a fresh take. This always works for me & many other writers.

As far as learning self-publishing, I suggest you finish the book first. But i..."

Thank you. I hadn't thought about taking a break. I've been stuck in "Finish it quickly" mode.

Gina,

Your situation is not unique or even unusual.

It took me 14 months of writing, rewriting, proofreading, having others proofread, and rewriting again, before producing what I believed to be a polished manuscript worthy of publication.

Input from a professional copy editor, conceptual editor, and narrator revealed that the manuscript of which I was so proud was neither polished nor worthy of publication.

It took an additional 11 months of rewriting and polishing before the manuscript was finally published and released to the public in 4 formats.

It will not be easy and often quite frustrating, but be patient and don't give up until you have produced the quality work you aspire to release to the reading public. Hopefully, it will not take as long for you as it did me.

I wish you success.

Jim wrote: "Gina,

Your situation is not unique or even unusual.

It took me 14 months of writing, rewriting, proofreading, having others proofread, and rewriting again, before producing what I believed to be ..."

Thank you. Seems like I've got a longer road ahead than I first imagined. I figured it would take multiple rewrites but I didn't realize how much self questioning it was going to take.

Gina wrote: "I'm working on my debut novel, a romance/suspense, and I'm on the second draft (1st edit?). I read through the full novel and made notes describing each chapter and notes about what to change as we..."

Hi Gina,
A lot of what you describe chimes with my own experience. I'm about 2 years in to writing my first two books.

If you would like me to have a look at your story and give you some honest feedback, then drop me a message on here. I'll reply with my email address.

I do not have the time for beta-reading, but you will definitely get some thoughts from me.

Cheers

Nick

PS Perseverance may well be the one trait successful writers have in common.

Hi Gina,

I see you've received tons of good advice, so just extra words of encouragement from my side since I've been there, too. I second the idea to take a small break and get back to the writing with fresh eyes. I also try (but don't always succeed) to get it all down before starting in on major developmental edits. Much more effective once you have the first draft completed.

Lots of tools out there for indie publishing, so maybe you want to spent a bit of time with that research before going back to your writing. You'll get there!!
Kimberly

Hi Gina,

Two years ago I was in your position. You can get stuck in the mud and not know where to turn. And self publishing was a nightmare. On my site I created a page to help new authors out.

https://www.elizabethnharris.net/help...

Check it out and keep writing, don't give up, authors are the most critical people of their own work. What you think doesn't work, may actually be working! Find yourself a couple of beta readers and get their thoughts on your book! But my advice is just write! And don't self doubt!

Beth x

Nick wrote: "Gina wrote: "I'm working on my debut novel, a romance/suspense, and I'm on the second draft (1st edit?). I read through the full novel and made notes describing each chapter and notes about what to..."

I was actually reading your post the other day. I haven't sent off a story to anyone before so I'm not sure how that works.

Hi Gina,

https://kindlepreneur.com/book-editors/

Prepare to scare yourself witless at the prices listed (these are neither extraordinary nor inflated) and remember most novels will require more than a single round of edits. Length consequently affects the price so bear this in mind. Basically you will be looking at $500 and up to start with. So consider well how much you wish to invest in your 'precious'. Is this truly a viable commercial product, a rewarding hobby or simple vanity to see your name in print?

You can and should do much of the groundwork first to address the major issues. Which I would recommend, before ever considering paying someone. Should you lack the requisite skills (which can be learnt) then Software is available and can point out countless glaring errors and mistakes. Some are subscription based with a monthly cost, other have a set price. Most provide the option to 'try before you buy' to get a feel for the product. Some of which are even usable in this restricted form.

If have the disposable cash to indulge, then by all means take the plunge and commit to another human-being. Contrary to some opinions I have never stated otherwise. And whether it is ultimately worth gamble only you can decide. Although after sinking a sizeable sum into the venture this may spur the drive to succeed.

Additionally finding a compatible/suitable Editor aligned with your goals and ambition may present a challenge so do select with care. And due diligence, previous worked examples with possibly a trial are required.

Many in the traditional industry, along with certain readers regard the arrival of Kindle and similar services as a plague to be despised and dismissed. Ignore them, they of the same mindset which first rejected the Beatles and countless other artists before. As I have said elsewhere to Nick, there are nigh 8 Billion people on this planet so some will like the effort however much you spend.

The alternative is get an agent and publisher who can arrange all this, defraying the cost of editing and publication against expected sales. Like record companies though most are reluctant to take much of a gamble on unknown quantities. Unless of course you are already famous or have friends who are. Expect rejection as the default position and if too readily accepted be wary of this being Vanity Press. Regardless, you are unlikely to receive a 7 figure advance and a multi-book deal. Though keep us in mind if you do. :)

Regards

CC