I always wondered about the writing process of other
writers. How long does it take for them
to complete a picture book, a magazine article, or a novel? What steps do they take to get their
manuscript submission-ready? I am
especially interested in learning about this process from published writers,
because apparently, the steps they've taken have proven successful.
I thought I'd share with you my writing process. Here is my journey on turning my draft to a
submission-ready manuscript.
I like to participate in writing
challenges because it encourages me to write daily.
It is through these challenges that I get to write several drafts. The more stories I write, the better my
chances are at finding THE ONE story that’ll be publishable. Here are a few challenges I have participated
in:
Once my challenge is complete, I
work on the stories “I” think have potential to be a great picture book and
work on revisions and edits.
3) Critique Group
When I’m done with the revisions and
edits on my drafts, I send it off one-by-one to my critique group to get a feel
of which stories are worth pursuing. You
see, what “I think” may not be congruent with what others think. I may think that all my stories are great,
but it may not be so. Think American
Idol rejects- the horrible singers who
insist that the judges don’t know what they are talking about and are missing
on the next big star!
4) Pick and
Choose
When I receive great feedback on any
of my stories, I spend the time to work on these pieces only and make it the
best I can. I put away the others for
future consideration or toss it all together.
5) Repeat 2
& 3
Steps 2 & 3 are very
important. I can easily take a year or
more going through the process of revisions. I’ll even utilize several critique
groups and participate in manuscript exchanges. The more feedback I get, the
better. I like to take my time on this
process until I know my story is as best as it can be.
6) Let it
Simmer
After I think my story is as best as
it can be, I’ll let it sit for a while.
After a week or more, I will go back to it and read it with fresh
eyes. If needed, I'll revise it
again. If I feel there is nothing more I
can do to make it better, then I will consider it submission-ready!
So there you
have it—my
6-step process to turning my draft into a manuscript. I’d like to know what process you go through
to get your manuscript submission-ready.
Please comment below.
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That's strikingly similar to my own process!
ReplyDeleteI love it. Makes me feel like I'm doing something right!
DeleteThat's about it. Why does it sound so simple when you say it? I'm at the simmering stage, which I need pretty badly at this point:)
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, sometimes I'll let a story simmer even in it's early stages. Simmering is like a vacation for the mind.
DeleteYay! A follower button:)
ReplyDeleteI like this process for picture books, especially due to the length. For my memoir manuscript, I'm about to begin the revision process after being away for two months. Last week, I opened the file to print the first chapter for a revision workshiop at a conference. I'm still looking for a crit group for the memoir. It's been easier to find crit partner for the picture book work.
ReplyDeleteNice post Romelle. Matches my process, except I need to write more regularly. My hardest problem is writing the first draft.
ReplyDeleteI have simmering after step 1, and before step 4. None of my stories have reached Step 6 yet.
As good as the cookie dough tastes...it's best to wait until it is fully baked before sharing. Slow, but thoughtful and more enjoyable at that. Love your process.
ReplyDelete