I hired an editor named Alice to read my manuscript. I wanted her to tell me how to make it salable.
She took a month with it. She wrote me a fifteen page letter. Suggested I shuffle chapters, hone characters, add new scenes, chop others.
On Tuesday, I spent an hour on the phone with her. She said, "There's no reason this book shouldn't be published. You're almost there. Do NOT give up." She even added a, "Please."
I went about the rest of my day filled with possibility and hope. Could I really pull it off? Did I have it in me to rewrite yet again and send it on the agent junket once more? I thought I did.
So I started cutting, writing new scenes, rearranging.
And now I am standing in the middle of a room that's being remodeled–-with drywall hanging, floors stripped, dust everywhere, wondering if it will ever look livable again. In the span of just three days I've hit lows where I felt dirty and gritty, a cross-cut saw at my feet and nails clenched between my teeth. And I've experienced moments of triumph where I scrawled a scene that accomplished exactly what Alice and I wanted it to, and I thought, Maybe. Possibly. This just might work.
There are other things needing my attention, of course. Kids and meals and completely banal chores like floors that want to be swept and old lamps waiting to be sold on Craigslist.
But I am giving my manuscript all the extra time I have. Everything I've got. And if that's not enough...then maybe I'm just not meant to write and publish a literary novel. I still, though, like to believe I am.
Awesome! Hang in there!
J/ (Goteeman)
Posted by: Goteeman | January 09, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Don't. give. up.
It can be done, and there's no reason it can't be done by you.
Posted by: steph | January 09, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Just like your room remodel, don't give up! The finished product will be a wonderful success. You CAN do this!
Posted by: kcinnova | January 09, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Of course you can do this...everything I've read on your blog leads me to believe that you are an amazingly talented writer!
Posted by: Bev | January 09, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I believe you are too! Draw from Alice's well when you feel empty. I can tell she's overflowing. Sincerely happy and excited for you. :)
Posted by: Chris | January 09, 2010 at 12:12 PM
You can do this! Stay filled with hope!
Posted by: Lisa | January 09, 2010 at 04:23 PM
That is so exciting! I'm impressed that you even finished a manuscript. Mine's been stuck in my head for years! Don't give up!
Posted by: The Introvert | January 09, 2010 at 08:54 PM
I hope this gives you the motivation to keep going. How exciting! I admire that you keep moving.
Posted by: mrs. g. | January 09, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Do NOT give up. Please!
Posted by: Cactus Petunia | January 10, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Go Angie!!! You can do it - and I can't wait to read it!!
Posted by: Tracy | January 10, 2010 at 04:03 PM
I agree with Alice. I have no doubts you can do it.
Posted by: Stacy (Mama-Om) | January 10, 2010 at 04:31 PM
Do it! That old rule about avoiding passive voice isn't just about grammar. It's not "are you meant to," it's "do you mean to." Right? Don't give up!
Posted by: Kristy | January 11, 2010 at 05:40 AM
It sounds like hard work. But...even better, that she believes in your work. And, that you SHOULD be published. We're all rooting for you!!
Posted by: JCK | January 11, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Everyone else pretty much summed it up. I'll only add that I really admire your drive, even more so because it doesn't seem to come easy! I think you are a great writer and your perseverance is right on!!
Posted by: Amanda | January 11, 2010 at 05:32 PM
Sadly, no, writing success does not come easily for me.
Posted by: All Adither | January 11, 2010 at 05:36 PM
DON'T GIVE UP!
You are an awesome write!
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Posted by: Parul | January 12, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Keep on keeping on!
Posted by: anne nahm | January 15, 2010 at 05:58 PM
That's awesome! Good luck!
Posted by: Rachael | January 18, 2010 at 10:05 PM