I always advise my writing coach clients to work in phases. Start with the big picture by making sure that a book’s structure is strong. Once the material has been properly positioned, look at what’s missing. That can be character development when dealing with novels, texture that comes from detail, even dramatic action. Only once all the pieces are in place do you even want to think about language. By then, however, it’s often tempting to pull the trigger and pull the trigger on self-publishing without that last push.
I have three words for that urge: Don’t Do It.
As much as I talk about needing to shelve the inner critic during the creative phase, I also say there will come a time when you’re going to need that voice telling you that something still needs work. This is that time.
As anyone who has tried to write a long piece knows, it’s impossible to retain perspective after working on something for days, weeks or months on end. The problem is that by the end of a project, many writers have either fallen in love with their prose or are so sick and tired of their book that they just want to get the whole thing over with.
Three more words: Get Over Yourself.
That inner critic you stifled at the start is just what you need now.
My final three words: Don’t Publish Yet.
Don’t take that shortcut, however tempting. Give yourself plenty of time to edit, re-edit and polish your work.
Still not convinced? I’ve brought backup. Check this week’s Forbes‘ story “Don’t Publish That Book!”
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