Comments on: Yeah, so polishing a book before you query might be a good thing…

By: Daisy Whitney » What NOT to do when querying a novel

Daisy Whitney » What NOT to do when querying a novel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:03:07 +0000

[...] promised yesterday, here’s what not to do when querying a [...]

By: Victoria Schwab

Victoria Schwab — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:07:56 +0000

Too true. I CRINGE at the first version of my first book, a version that I DID pitch. But it’s also hard because at the time I didn’t know any better. I thought it was good. Oh hindsight.

YES. Polish. Let it sit. LET OTHER PEOPLE READ IT. And then do research and find your way to sites like this :p

By: Daisy Whitney

Daisy Whitney — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:02:42 +0000

Alexa: I thought the same thing! I imagined it just flowed out in perfect harmony! Couldn’t be farther from the truth of the long, slow, but wonderful, slog through words.
Debra: I bet there was an embarrassing party somewhere too!

By: Debra Schubert

Debra Schubert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:39:24 +0000

That’s “part” not “party.” Typos – they never go away.

By: Debra Schubert

Debra Schubert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:37:52 +0000

The very first time I queried was nearly 10 years ago. There’s no way that ms resembled anything close to an actual book. And, you want to know the really embarrassing party? I was at a private event shortly after with Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) and I gave him that disaster of a “novel.” He’s probably still laughing about it to this day.

When I did finally get an agent, it was from interest on a polished manuscript (mystery) and a first draft of a YA novel. My best advice to writers looking for agents? Keep writing and query widely!!!!

By: Alexa

Alexa — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:35:48 +0000

Looking forward to tomorrow, prefect timing for me.

You know until I tried to write a book I really thought writers just sat down, wrote, checked their spelling and were done. I’m now on version 5 and know better

By: Kimberly Franklin

Kimberly Franklin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:02:34 +0000

Yeah. It’s like some sort of writer hazing…or something. I can’t wait to do all the stupid stuff I’m sure I’ll do! LOL.

Hope you have a good day!

By: Daisy Whitney

Daisy Whitney — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:05:04 +0000

A blog award!! How fun! I’ll go check out yours, Ali!
Karen — As I work on my new book I find myself wondering how many versions it’ll need before I can show to editor or agent!

By: ali

ali — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:59:50 +0000

Haha! You know I like to have a good laugh Daisy Your program-esque versions are awesome. My DH and I do the same thing!

Hey, I don’t know if you accept blog awards here, but I gave you one. The award was for the best blogs you’ve recently discovered and you’re definitely on my list!

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with publishing ~ I appreciate it!

By: Karen H.

Karen H. — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:47:56 +0000

This is an excellent reminder! I’m still amazed by the 1.0, 2.0…10.0 versions of my debut novel. There’s no short-cut to editing and revising.