This week I am answering questions from readers and writers. I normally get them through email or private messages. So I thought it would be great to share my answers with everyone else in case you get something out of it, too. Here goes!
How many drafts do you go through before your book is ready for print?
It’s changed with each book. My first every novel, The Girl Between Two Worlds, had a million revisions – well, it felt like a million. To be honest, I can’t remember how many revisions I went through for that one. I can safely say at least 10. Because it was my first book, it was my ‘trial run’. I learned how to write a book while writing the book. So each time I learned how to do it better, I applied it to the manuscript. I think I would have kept on editing had it not been picked up by Anvil Publishing.
The second book, The Girl Between Light and Dark, took considerably less time to edit. I knew what I was doing a tiny bit more and I only worked with one editor, which helped make the whole process easier. For book one, I worked with at least three editors!
Should I send my manuscript to the publisher even if I’ve only edited it once?
Nope. Even seasoned authors go through several edits before sending their manuscript to the publisher. Remember, you only have one chance to dazzle them. Don’t send them a half-assed work because it will definitely show! Why rush it? Have at least three reads of your manuscript before you even think about sending it through. Besides, you also have to think of the cover letter and summary anyway. Those things are not easy to write! If the deadline is looming and you don’t want to wait till next year, still don’t send it. Rushing something in this line of work isn’t a good thing.
How do I improve my writing?
I get heaps of similar questions on improving their writing. And although I still don’t believe that I’m there yet (because I know I could still improve my writing big time) I have done a couple of things over the years that helped me with my craft.
Read different genres and authors – As tempting as it is to stick to the genres and authors you love, you won’t learn much if you keep reading the same thing. Variety is key. If you look at my Goodreads list, you’ll see I read different genres and authors. Having said that, I don’t read books I don’t like so if the first few chapters don’t grab me, I move on.
Learn from others – Go to as many writing festivals, talks and seminars as you can. Listen to what other writers have to say. If you get the chance (and the budget) work with a mentor or editor. My writing improved so much when I worked with an editor one on one. There’s nothing like sitting down with a professional who can show you your weaknesses but also encourage you to grow.
Finally, for all aspiring writers out there, don’t give up. Just keep writing. Your first rejection letter won’t be your last but it doesn’t mean you should stop. We’ve all been rejected. We’ve all gone through self-doubt. But if you keep going, you’ll keep growing (look at that, I rhymed!).
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