Another Writing Secret

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Persistence is a trait you need to develop for your writing journey.

The Brittanica Dictionary Online defines this as “the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something, even though it is difficult” (Brittanica Dictionary, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Accessed January 2023).

Writing for publication is difficult, all-consuming, and often overwhelming. Each phase: researching, planning, plotting, writing, revising (and revising) takes a lot of time and energy.

It also takes a lot of courage to show others your work and to ask for feedback. The natural inclination is to want praise and accolades for your beautiful manuscript that you’ve sweated and bled over for months (or years). While praise is awesome, uplifting, and reassuring, you need the feedback that will help you get your work published. Publishing is a business. Agents and publishers are looking to represent projects that they can sell. It’s a crowded market out there. Your work has to be the best it can possibly be because you may get only one chance with an agent or editor. It takes a lot of work to get a manuscript to that point. Don’t give up.

Here are some ideas that may help you along your writing journey:

  1. When you think your manuscript is done, print it out and proofread it again.

  2. Check all the details like names, physical descriptions, and the story’s timeline for consistency.

  3. Run your word processor’s spellcheck after each major round of editing to catch any booboos you may have made correcting other things.

  4. Find a writing partner or a critique group and exchange pages or manuscripts. It’s best to find someone who writes and understands your genre.

  5. Know what’s out there in your genre. Sometimes, a manuscript can be rejected because an agent or publisher already represents a similar one.

  6. Make sure that you read your genre regularly to understand the trends and conventions. Read the acknowledgments page to see what agents and publishing houses produce books you like.

  7. Find an independent editor, especially if this is your first manuscript. They can be pricey. I asked my writer friends for a recommendation, and I found an editor who specialized in mysteries. If it’s not in the budget, seek out a middle or high school English teacher in your area. Often many will do side-work at an affordable price, and they can help you with basic edits and proofreading.

When your manuscript is the best you can make it, then it’s time to do your homework and target agents/publishers that represent your genre. Follow all submission instructions.

Now, the wait begins. Sometimes, you’ll get a quick response, but others could take weeks or months. Use that time to write your next book and to build your author platform.

Persistence is key. Writing is a tough job with lots of feedback and rejections.