So you might remember I finished a massive rewrite of my project Transparent last month. As much as I know it's a better book, I also know it's still not perfect. Rewriting a whole book is weird—it's kind of like a first draft but not at the same time.
Anyway, I thought I'd be a good writer and do a close edit before sending it out to readers. There had to be things I could improve on my own, and I want it in the best condition possible. Surely I could pick out the problems by myself...
Or not.
I am editing, but more than anything I find myself continually saying, "I don't know what's wrong! There HAS to be some huge plot hole or character flaw or other big issue to fix! Why can't I see the problems? It just can't be perfect—I'm not that naive."
That, my friends, is the point at which you must send it off to other people. No matter how scary or how unfinished or whatever. You've gone blind. You're too close to the story. You need to step back and let other people be your eyes.
So I'll finish this "edit," knowing it's not done but not really being able to do anything about it. I can't wait to send it off to readers more brilliant than myself, because I know they will see things I'm missing and help me improve. And next time I edit I will have plenty to do, I'm sure.
I just did this SAME thing... I know there is SOMETHING off in my current MS, I just couldn't put my finger on it!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I am completely blind sometimes, and I'm thankful for other readers who catch weird stuff that I miss.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you are just that good!
ReplyDeleteHa! Noooo, not that good. Promise.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thing happen. I read my MS and thought "Wow, this is pretty solid." and as soon as I sent it out to my betas, they noticed that the voices of the two characters were very similar.
ReplyDeleteI can normally tell when there is something wrong with someone else's writing and I know when there is something wrong with it but I never know HOW to fix it.
I know exactly what you mean! Good luck with finishing your edits :)
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly where I am at the moment, too. I sent my MS to six readers after I finished this rewrite. I had definitely reached the point where I couldn't tell what was and wasn't wrong with it, and needed fresh eyes. Already, they've given some excellent, specific, spot-on feedback that is helping me be more precise in communicating the story.
ReplyDeleteIt was scary to send it out knowing it still had (several) weaknesses. Turns out, it was the perfect time to do it - the story is pretty solid, but I know it still has polishing to be done. This means they get to see a pretty well-developed story, but I'm not so attached to the actual words that I can't cut the fluff.
Good luck with TRANSPARENT!!
:) Kayla
I just lined myself a couple of beta readers for my ms. Now I just have to hand it over. *cringe* Thanks Natalie - great post!
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to send it out to beta readers and get lots of ideas to work with. And, man, can't imagine starting all over. All your work is going to pay off. It has to.
ReplyDeleteHow do you guys find your beta readers? Are they friends? People you've met through your writing circles? If they're friends, how confident are you that they'll be completely honest in pointing out flaws?
ReplyDeleteObviously this is an issue I'm struggling with....
Stacey, under my reference tab you'll find a whole section about Crit Groups:)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteExcellent points! I'm at the same spot with my WIP, only I'm now wondering whether it's ready to send out to agents/editors. I wrote about that on my blog today too - funny coincidence.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, you do need someone else to look in your blind spot, and there just isn't anything else you can do until then.
I do the same thing!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Once I have a 2nd draft done (like I've finished the first draft, let it sit, then come back and fixed any glaring errors), I like to send it off to readers at that point because I know I'm too close. I need feedback. I need to know where I'm not being clear enough about things like character motivation and plot.
ReplyDeleteSo true that you need to step back and let it go.
I finished the first draft of my new manuscript and realized it needed more than a 2nd draft, it needed to begin again. By the time I finished the story, it was a completely different book. How did I not see this coming? Fortunately, the second half was what I wanted all along. But the first half? What a mess!
ReplyDeleteNothing quite like a good critter.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post that I can only say AMEN to! I hate when I hit that blind moment because I don't have a solid crit group.
ReplyDeleteLuckily I have some fairly intelligent reading friends that do their best to get me back on track. However, writing friends critique differently than reading friends. I want to lock away the few that have helped me on occasion, so I always have their excellent advice.
I hear that! If you don't send it off it simmers and eventually burns and tastes rather foul.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine feeling my work is "done" to the point it doesn't need more work. I'm nearing what I hope are my last edits before submission, but part of me thinks my agent will say, "What? Are you crazy? You've got MILES to go!!!" Thank goodness none of us are self-doubting perfectionists. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have never felt like my story is "done" and I don't think I ever will. I will always find something! I'm planning on re-writing one of my stories and surprisingly I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your edits!