We’re always in such a hurry. Running the publishing race and jumping its many hurdles. Getting things done and doing them quickly is great, but there are certain areas where it’s a good idea to slow down and do it right so that you can actually save time in the long run.
1) Editing–I have heard many authors need to power through writing the book to get it finished and once they finish they go back to edit. Don’t plow your way through the editing. Be sure to leave ample time before your deadline for your edits and revisions. This will save you time and will also save hours for your critique partners, agent, and editor.
2) Proposal–One of my clients turned in the most beautiful proposal a couple of weeks ago and I felt like crying because it was perfect! It was so easy to get that proposal read and sent off to the editor waiting for it. This is not always the case. Proposals come in and they make me want to cry because they are a mess. They take me hours to fix up before I feel they’re ready to send.
And if you are submitting your proposal to agents, you want it to be lovely the first time. Take the time to do it right and have someone else look at it before you send it off. This will allow for the agent to actually enjoy your proposal for what it is, rather than getting hung up on formatting and lack of detail.
3) Your author bio–This is part of your proposal, but you will be using versions of it everywhere. Make sure you keep it up to date and that it actually reflects who you are and what you write. Get feedback on it from your friends before using it.
4) Social media and social media marketing–Slow down and think before you post anything. Does what you are going to post help your audience? Does it entertain them? Is it something you should post or could it end up hurting you? If you are not 100% sure it’s okay, don’t post it.
What are other writing-related things you’ve found it’s best to take your time on?
I hope all of you are able to slow down this week and enjoy the Christmas season! Blessings to you and your family!
After the Ink Dries: Three First-Time Authors Share Their Publisher Journeys After the Contract is Signed
“Allow for the agent to actually enjoy your proposal” — I never thought about it that way, Rachel. Even if agents decide my project isn’t right for them, I’d like to think they got a bit of pleasure or insight out of it. I’d hate to have them read my work and think, “Wow, that was a waste of time.”
I never thought that I’d slow down,
for energy there was to spare,
my pace of work brought me renown,
but it’s going now no-where.
Three hundred thousand words a year
once would make me laugh,
but in these fell days I fear
the number’s dropped by more than half,
and acceptance is the answer
to the question asked;
this is the regime of cancer
and thus I have been tasked
with unconcern for bulk amount;
now every letter has to count.
Andrew,
Long or short, everything you write counts for me.
Elissa, your words just brightened what has been a very rough day.
Thank you, and God bless.
This is so good, Rachel! Yes, I am one who powers through the rough draft, but I creep through edits and the proposal. Looks like I am in good company. Thank you for the reminder to slow and reflect and enjoy family this Christmas! You, too!!!
Great post! Thank you.
The old saying—”Haste makes waste”—still holds true.
Merry Christmas!
MaryAnn
Thank you for the timely reminder, since I’m in the editing process right now. Take your time and do it right! That’s my goal. Appreciate these insights.