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And so the edits begin!

Writer's picture: Dawn WallisDawn Wallis

Updated: Oct 27, 2021

This morning, I submitted my first chapter to a professional editor. Her plan is to peruse the chapter, then give me a quote on the cost to edit it and the two subsequent chapters. I'm trying to get my manuscript in tip-top shape before querying agents.


I was very nervous hitting the send button. I suppose that can be attributed to letting a total stranger take a peek at my baby and potentially, come back with a plethora of criticisms. Either way, I've checked throughout the day frequently and haven't received any comments so far. I'm the type of person that likes to know immediately if it's good or bad, so I can begin moving forward. So for now, I wait to hear her feedback.


The entire writing process is scary and nerve-wracking. It's one thing to come up with an idea and yet another to turn that idea into a novel. I read today that 99% of authors never complete a manuscript. According to the article, they get allow the whispers of doubt to become screaming distractions and that's the end of their would-be book.


I understand those doubts and battle them every day. As an author, if you ask a family member or trusted friend to read your manuscript, you can bank on hearing nothing but praise. But to ask another author? Well, then you're in for a truly honest assessment of your work. In my case, I have worked throughout 2021 writing, researching, and editing. My main reason was that I had to allow myself to pursue my dream of becoming an author. But along the way, I've wondered more than a time or two if I've frittered away incredible blocks of time which could have been better spent at a conventional job, or perhaps, volunteering somewhere. I don't count on the doubt fading away anytime soon, so I will continue my journey towards publishing, even if I'm trembling along the way.

Hopefully, prayerfully, I'll have something to type about my editor's feedback for next week's blog. Thanks for taking the time to read my posts.

author on a typewriter


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