When Are You "Done" with Your WIP?

Naively, I thought I was done with my WIP (Work in Progress) when I typed, "The End." Yep, I was done. But, is it ready? Not quite. Here's what really happened...

I went through several rounds of self-edits and revisions. Then I submitted it to my critique group, and that led to more revisions. We submit fifty pages a month, so it was about four months for revisions.

Then, I hired a line editor to review it for me and provide feedback. And yes, that caused more changes.

I finally submitted it for publication. My editor at the publishing company provided some feedback. Then their proofreader had some changes.

After the book was formatted for printing, I did several rounds of final proofreading.

But, it is a better book because of all the feedback and edits. It's hard to take critiques and criticism - especially when it's your baby. But I've learned this is part of the expected process, and it does yield a much better product (than the first draft). I rewrote the first chapter to Secret Lives and Private Eyes five times. I rewrote the ending twice.

It feels good to type "The End," but it's really just the beginning of the next stage in your publication journey. Best wishes for your writing (and revising)!