LOVED today’s post from Moon Rat, the editorial assistant extraordinaire:

The point I want to make today is about vigilance of craft. Creativity is exhausting. When you’re working on a novel, there comes a point during writing, or rewriting, or editing, or re-editing, or hearing back the nitpicky bits from your crit group or agent or editor for the eight millionth time, when you just say “Ug, can I be done with this? I’ll fix it later, or someone else can, if they really have a problem with it.”

But the thing is, you can’t count on anyone to fix anything later.

No, you sure can’t. And really, that applies to anything and everything, not just books.

The best professionals in any sector of the industry are the ones who fight it out a couple more rounds before throwing up their hands.

So the moral of this story is, fight the good fight, at every stage of the game.

Right on!

I’ll do my best to keep that in mind this weekend as I tackle the 3 synopses I’m preparing for The Major Publisher Who’s Interested in Twenty-Somewhere. o_O


10 responses to “It doesn't have to be what it is”

  1. Sonja Avatar

    Oh, I’m so clearly not the best professional in any sector of the industry.

    In conclusion, I’m done with this comment. I’ll fix it later, or someone else can, if they really have a problem with it.

    ;)

  2. Les Avatar

    I’m about to implode just writing, God help us all when I get to the query/synopsis stage… Good luck, may the force be with you.
    .-= • Recent post by Les: Happy Weekend! =-.

  3. elissa janine Avatar

    ha! I’m working on a major revision right now, and I JUST said that I’m so ready to just be done with it, like…isn’t it good enough yet??? Guess not, ha.

    also WOOOO go go go on those synopses! I hope they like what they see and offer you a contract, baby!

  4. Angie Avatar

    That’s right keep at it! I am still super excited for this :)
    .-= • Recent post by Angie: Okay =-.

  5. Kristan Avatar

    Les-
    Oh, I think you’ll do just fine with queries. Synopses are kind of a special beast…

    elissa janine-
    Haha, well I know you’ll kick butt at that revision. And then your agent will be beating editors back with sticks!

    Angie-
    Thanks, me too! Gooooo 20SW girls! ;D

  6. S0BeUrself Avatar

    The great thing is, if you willing to fight so hard for something, to continue working on it despite exhaustion, you must love what your doing. And when there’s love involved, chances are you’ve got something great on your hands.
    .-= • Recent post by S0BeUrself: Pass the Gravy =-.

  7. Sarah Avatar

    Thanks for sharing that excerpt. I oscillate between being done and wanting to keep going on and on forever. Right now, I’m excited about fixing the ending of my novel. It’s fun. But, then when I collect more comments, etc. it’s going to be more work.
    So, wouldn’t it be great if more people were like this lady or if Judge Judy got in on the act and gave me a what-for when I am feeling like I’m done. “You’re a fibber!” “If it doesn’t make sense, it’s not true!” “You gotta do the work, so you can pay the rent!” “What are you, a slacker?!?”
    .-= • Recent post by Sarah: Inspiration =-.

  8. Kristan Avatar

    S0BeUrself-
    Precisely!

    Sarah-
    You’ll get my comments soon! (Ish…) LOL Judge Judy!

  9. Jon Avatar

    Inspiring quotes. I should really take this advice more seriously. Best of luck on the manuscript.
    .-= • Recent post by Jon: Unemployment Diaries, Part 2 =-.