How Do You Know? #IWSG

Welcome to the October edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a time to release our fears into the world and support one another. Be sure to visit the IWSG site for details about the current anthology contest! 

This month's question is:

When do you know your story is ready? 

One thing every writer has to accept is that we can't wait for perfection - because that will never happen. No book is perfect. But we still want it to be as good as it can be before we put it out there. To that end, these are my rules of thumb for knowing when a book is ready: 

1. After I've received feedback from unbiased critique partners and have addressed their issues.

2. After I've let the story "cool off" long enough to come back at it with a fresh critical eye.

3. When I no longer have nagging qualms about story, characters, or flow.

And then what's it ready for? Not for publication. It's then ready to go through editing. 

~.~.~

Let's hope my next book is ready, 'cuz it's coming out on October 19! If you'd like to take part in the festivities in any capacity (there's an easy-peasy Thunderclap option) please visit the WHEN IT HOLDS YOU LAUNCH FORM
Thank you!


~.~.~.

This post is part of the monthly blog hop/therapy session known as Insecure Writer's Support Group, founded by the one and clonely Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Comments

Jennifer Lane said…
Now I'm singing Whitney Houston! I'm eager to see how writers interpret this question. I wondered, "Ready for what?" I bet there will be quite a few different takes on it.
I signed up Nicki and clapped you!!
Nicola said…
Exciting times, Nicki. Many congratulations. I'm sure it is perfectly ready - we're ready to read it :) Have a great month.
Edit, revise, edit, revise...
I find getting some distance from the story helps with both story issues and typos, etc. Fresh eyes! :)

Congrats on the new book!
Chrys Fey said…
I love that you pointed our no book is perfect and that writers shouldn't hope for perfection. I try to give the same advice when I can.

Good luck with your upcoming release! I have an ebook coming out a couple of days after you. :D
L. Diane Wolfe said…
If your next book comes out in 2 weeks, then you know that one's ready.
This is my first time here. I've joined your website now. Allowing a story to cool off is a great idea. I forgot about that one. All the best!
emaginette said…
I'm sure your next book will be awesome. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette
Yes! Especially the part about getting rid of the nagging qualms. Congrats to you! Christy
F. Stone said…
I think When It Holds You is pretty damn perfect. :)
Michael Di Gesu said…
Hey, Nicki...

You must be crazed with another book coming out... CONGRATS!!!!! I guess I won't be seeing you any time soon...

I just finished a HUGE Illustration job and posted one at my blog... What an INSANE three weeks. The cover reveal should be soon. Waiting for the author to format and give me a release date... Nice that I have FULL CREDIT on the cover... She didn't mind me putting it into the design. THANKFULLY.. But since it is a CHILDREN'S book about Icelandic folk tales, they play a HUGE part in the stories. 17 in all!!!! Each with it's own full page illustration. EEEESH... Today is my first day of in 24 days!
Cherie Colyer said…
Nice checklist. You've summed up when a book is ready nicely.

Your release date is coming up quick! I can't wait to read your newest novel.
I added my support to your Thunderclap.
Anonymous said…
I read somewhere that perfect is the enemy of good enough. From the proper perspective, it's a very helpful way of framing it, so agreed with what you've said here.

October 19!! We both have babies coming out into the world in October (one of the best months of the year).

You are so prodigious and disciplined and committed to getting your stuff out there for people to enjoy. I have so much admiration for you!
Anonymous said…
D'oh! Forgot to sign that last comment with ...

COUNTESS CHOCULA!

muahaha
Arlee Bird said…
Your getting ready for editing steps sound practical to me.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

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