Is Your Manuscript Really Finished? Ask Yourself These Questions

I've been reviewing a lot of manuscripts for the day job lately and I'm saddened as to what some writers believe is a "finished" copy. If you're a writer, please ask yourself these questions before sending to a publisher and/or agent or uploading to Amazon:

1. Is there a clear story question?
2. Does each scene contain one point of view?
3. Does each chapter follow the scene and sequel method?
4. Are the characters likable, especially the main character?
5. Is the plot well developed?
6. Are the characters well developed?
7. Do the characters change as the plot changes?
8. Are there enough conflicts throughout the story to warrant the change in the character?
9. Is there a resolution to the story question? 
10. Does each scene push the story forward to the ending resolution?
11. If writing for kids, does it sound like an adult wrote this book, or a kid? 
12. If writing for kids, does the main character speak like his/her age group?
13. Is there a good balance of narrative, dialogue, and action?
14. In the end, does the reader care about the characters?

Some of these questions may seem basic...and they are...but manuscript after manuscript that I've reviewed in the last week (AND even some e-books that I've downloaded over the summer) the author seems to not understand these basic questions.

It's not rocket science, but there is an art form to writing fiction. And, I'm not saying that it's formulated, BUT...authors need to understand these basics before submitting to publishers, agents, AND even uploading their book to Amazon. Hire an honest editor; you won't be sorry.

The decision to self-publish

I am constantly amazed at my forward-thinking agent. She knows this business inside and out, and yet she thinks it's a good idea - while we wait for the publishers to get back to us on the stories that are on submission - that I go forward and seriously consider publishing an e-book.

I have to admit that the idea both excites and frightens me.

Publish it myself? No publisher? No nothing?

Well, there would be SOMETHING. I have contacts that are editors/proofers as well as cover designers. So, I feel confident that the product that I put out there would be in very good shape.

But still the idea is daunting. Will anyone buy what I write without having a publisher? There have been many stories lately of self-pubbed authors who are living their dreams, making money. A pretty well-known SP author is J. Konrath. If you're a writer, you know all about this guy. He's made a success of writing without a publisher. And, interestingly enough, he's been showcasing SP authors on his blog all month to show that he's not the only one out there living the dream, making some money.

I think there are many things that one needs to consider before stepping into this new publishing age. Luckily, my agent still believes that I can become a print author someday. I pray that she's correct and I'll continue to produce stories that I think people would like to read. But there it is... I need people to read them.

I told her that I was 10 years too late in the industry. I'm not getting any younger, and I feel that something needs to happen SOON. But since the publishing industry doesn't work on Kris Yankee Time, I guess I have to take GDC's advice and go for it. What will it hurt? The money I spend to produce the best product can be written off on next year's taxes at the very least.

So...the decision has been made. I'm going to do it! I will keep you posted on all the details. The first step is to get the file proofed. It's been edited and edited and edited to death. I think a great round of proofing with someone I trust will show me any weak spots. Then we're off to cover design and back cover blurb.

Any authors (or parents) out there want to do an endorsement for me? I'd love to include it on the Kindle page, as well as the other e-retailers I use. I'll post when I'm ready for that as well.

Well, wish me luck as I dive into this unknown aspect of publishing. Thanks to Jenyfer Matthews for talking me through this - you're a lifesaver CP!!