On a previous post I discussed my first piece of writing. Unfortunately, I sent my first piece out too soon – back then I had very little knowledge of how the journey to publication worked. These days, I have a better understanding, however now I guess I’m overly-cautious in sending any work out (perfectionism can be a curse). I have a tendency of going over and over my work until I get sick of looking at those particular pieces of writing; case in point are some of my short stories.
I’ve been sitting on some of these for years; I’ve even had some beta readers look over them for me. Recently I have gone over them again and am now waiting for another round of beta readers to read them. This time, though, I know my short stories are ready as the changes have been minor (sad I can’t say the same about my longer works just yet). Janice Hardy has a helpful post on this very topic, so perhaps that’s a good sign. 😉
Years ago I learned the hard way of sending my work out too soon. As an insecure writer, one of the biggest challenges is letting other people read our work before sending it off into the big, wild world. With persistence and helpful critiques, you’ll know when your story is ready.
When do you know your story is ready? Do you have a tendency of going over your work so many times that you get sick of it? Do you suffer from perfectionism?
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I definitely need to stop being a perfectionist. Unfortunately I can’t always tell the difference between nitpicking and fixing genuine problems.
Hi James. I know exactly what you mean! I think it’s a bit of a stalling tactic on my part, though. I really do need to learn how to ‘ship’. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂
I learned the hard way also. That is having a professional editor read my book is so important.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Hi Patricia. I agree – another pair of eyes certainly does help in picking up anything we may have missed (especially when our own eyes start to glaze over 😉 ). Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Debbie, your website looks lovely and elegant – very striking. Yes, sending your baby out into the world is a huge step, ready or not, and only you can really judge, from experience, if it’s ready or not.
Thanks so much Angela! I think my perfectionism is in one way, a stalling tactic. Sending work out can be frightening as it feels like a part of your soul is being exposed. I guess it’s time to work on that thick skin! Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂
It does take courage to send out our creations. I’m not sure it ever gets easier either. Thanks for sharing today.
Hi Susan. I think you’re right that it may never get any better, as eventually there is an expectation regarding our work that needs to be fulfilled. Thanks for stopping by Susan – it’s good to meet you. 🙂
Once I joined a writing group, I learned so much about submitting it blew my mind. All the personal touches that can lead to success can’t help a badly written work. Who knew? hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
Hi Anna. I’m glad you found your writing group helpful; meeting other writers is invaluable. That’s one of the things I like about social media – there’s always something new to learn. 🙂
I agree, Debbie–sometimes we send it before it’s ready. In my case, I sent it before I learned to build a story. Now I’m reworking those original stories and love them so much more with the right pieces.
Hi Jacqui. I’m so glad you’ve found new life in your older pieces. This is why I generally don’t throw anything out – there might always be something worth salvaging out of them. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I love this post! I feel like I’m never ready. I always need an outside opinion.
Hi Vivian and thank you! I know what you mean. I struggle to summon up the courage to ask for a beta reader, let alone submit any of my work! I’ve reached a point now where I’m tired of going around in circles and just need to let the work go. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂