So, I'm going to open myself up for criticism here. Some of you guys might know that I've had a partial request (first 100 pages) for my book by an agent. Woot. I've been polishing and revising for three months since then and now, in the deadline I've created in my mind, I've got another month before I have to submit.
Why, when everyone, even the awesome and extremely published Jonathan Maberry, has told me not to submit until it's ready, am I going to risk it?
Well, one concrete and one ephemeral reason. And a caveat.
Caveat - The same way I believe I'm not short, I believe the book will be ready.
Concrete - the agent who requested my partial is closed to submissions until August 1st. On August 1st, the floodgates (again, in my imagination) will open and the slushpile will become slushier. I want to take advantage of being allowed to submit while she's on hiatus (a conference request).
Ephemeral - If I don't give myself a deadline - a real, on fire, deadline, I'll choke. I'll sputter and stop. I'll just sort of peter out. I am not one of those writers who feels they have to write or they will die. And I can easily see my life slipping into more practical, household concerns once my kids start school again. In fact, I'm afraid that will happen, unless I have that deadline.
So, I'm revising like a maniac. And I will (unless I change my mind, of course) be pushing the send button at the end of July.
Want to talk me out of it?
Oh, I'll be guest posting on Misha's Blog Sylmion on August 19th, so watch out for that.
Just send it. There is no perfection. :)
ReplyDeleteI say go for it. Follow your gut and don't look back. It'll all turn out the way it's supposed to.
ReplyDeleteL.G & Emily - Are you guys just saying that because it's what I want to hear? I don't care, I love it! Thanks! Will let you know what happens if/when I fall on my ass.
ReplyDeleteThere's also revising it TOO much. Do the best work you can, and I'm sure it'll be great! :)
ReplyDeleteI say have a critique partner (or someone who hasn't read it before) take a look at it and take their opinion into account. There is such a thing as too much editing, so don't drive yourself crazy. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love it! No one has tried to talk me out of it. Talk about preaching to the choir. You'll all be there to pick up the pieces when the big fat rejection comes, right?
ReplyDeletethanks everyone, for weighing in, and for encouraging.