Manuscript Graveyard

Today I’ve decided to focus on a topic that aspiring writers will come across on just about every blog and website dedicated to the art form.  I firmly believe the reason this subject has been beaten into the ground is because it is important. 

For those of you who have been following my blog from its inception (or those simply compelled to read my first post), you know that when I began writing, I kept my pastime a secret from everyone.  In hindsight, my initial lack of confidence was a blessing. 

Because I was ashamed, I hid my first book from those around me.  For some reason I still felt compelled to write a second… and a third.  While working on the more recent manuscripts, I sent out query letters for the first.  Multiple rejection letters, solid feedback from literary agents and temporarily giving up has unknowingly granted me the luxury of patience. 

The result?  I have been left with a far superior product than I had original envisioned. 

When I made the monumental decision to go the self-publishing route, I realized that I hadn’t looked at my manuscript in nearly two years.  This absence has afforded me fresh eyes, vital for the critical revisions required before shipping my story to a professional editor.

My unprofessional advice to you?  Like a good steak, let your project marinate for as long as possible. 

We are all thirsty for that first drink of publishing success.  But if you rush it, you’re going to end up submitting a sub-par product.  Incessant rejections are going to take longer to overcome than initially postponing a submittal—not to mention the fact that you only have one shot to pitch your book to each agent.

Patience could mean the difference between getting published or having the words you’ve slaved over end up in a graveyard of forgotten, unread manuscripts.

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If you haven’t already, head on over to my Kickstarter page and see what you can do to help me self-publish my first novel! 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jennyhickman/the-mirrors-at-barnard-hall-an-epic-love-story