First Official Check-In! How are you all doing????? :-)

[jbknowles]

Hi everyone!

Today is our first official check-in. Line on up and let us all know how you're doing in the comments! Need some encouragement? Advice? A high-five? We're here for you!

xo

I want to hear from...

afraclose
Amy Fisher Quinn
amygreenfield
annemariepace
barbarabaker
blackeyedsue21
boreal_owl
briankell
chickwith_stick
cfaughnan
cynleitichsmith
dampscribbler
Elisabeth
goddess57
Heather Jessen
jbknowles
jeniwrites
jjhoutman
josiecv
katiemas
katywriter
kaz_mahoney
kimmiepoppins
Kip Wilson
Kristina
lisa_schroeder
lisaschulman
lizjonesbooks
marvelousmarv
Meaghan
MelanieACrowder
Menaha
Michelle Davison Kane

Comments

[katywriter]

My goal is to finish my first draft of book # 2 and I'm already 38k into it, so I think I'm going to make it. Of course the first draft always needs help, but I'm getting the story down and plan to tighten it up later. I just don't know if I should send "editor M" the crappy draft or fix it then send it to her?

[jbknowles]

Katy, this is a great question. I think it depends on lots of factors, such as whether this is a book under contract already, with a tight deadline

[amygreenfield]

Katy, I think Jo's advice is great. Even when I'm working under contract, I like to polish the manuscript as much as possible before turning it in.

The only thing I'd add is that some editors DO prefer to see things at an earlier stage if a book is under contract. If you're delivering a sequel under a tight deadline, for instance, or if they don't have much experience working with you, they may want to have a chance to see how book is going, and to give their advice as soon as you have that first draft.

So you might want to ask "editor M" what she'd like you to do.

Congratulations on getting so much done!

[kimmiepoppins]

I like Jo's advice too. Makes a lot of sense. :o)

[josiecv]

I agree, too. And I think it's a good idea to ask. I am a very *slow* writer, so for my WIP, my agent wanted to see my outline and general plan to make sure I was headed in the right direction before I got months into the project. But after that initial go-ahead, he'd rather see the most polished version I can give him so that his feedback will have the most impact (as Jo explained very well).

It's hard, though, because I often get antsy to just turn the darn thing in! I have to *force* myself to be patient and take the time to make it the best I can.

[katywriter]

I texted "editor M" last night, aka: my friend Megan and she said that she wanted to see the draft when it's done,but everyone is right about not sending out a crappy draft, wither under contract or not. If I did that, it would mean more work for me in the long run and would delay submitting. I plan to send it off to my publisher when I'm done revising and pray that they take it on as a second book. So, in answer to your question Jo, no it's not under contract...yet.

[barbarabaker]

I think it would be a good idea to clean it up at least a little bit. If you were an editor would you like to read a manuscript in crappy first-draft condition? Editors are busy, busy people with tons of other manuscripts to read. I think they appreciate an author who fixes spelling, punctuation, grammar, and some major plot problems. It shows respect for the craft. That being said, you know your editor and your work, so you should do what feels right to you. Good luck.