How do you know when you're really, really done?

neener · Oct 23, 2008

I am just finishing my 4th draft, and I think I feel good about it all and want to start querying, but...how do I know? Everytime I leave the manuscript for any length of time and return to it, I invariably find things to change. When do you stop? I realize that no one can answer definitively for my work because I'm the only one here who has read it. I'm just looking for experiences/opinions.
Thanks!

DeleyanLee · Oct 23, 2008

Personally, I have a set of things I go through and then I don't look at it again.

If you grow at all as a writer--which most probably you'll do throughout your writing life--you will ALWAYS be able to find something to improve on an older work. You just have to make the decision when enough is enough.

For me it's after first draft getting the story down, second pass making sure the story's right, one pass for line editing and then I don't touch it again until someone's paying me money for it.

You'll just have to find what works for you.

Danthia · Oct 23, 2008

For me, it's when the only revisions I'm doing are fiddling with the text because it feels flat. Not becuase it IS flat, but because I've read it so many times it's no longer fresh to me.

You develop a gut feeling for it after a while. I know that's not real helpful, but if you keep seeing major things to fix, then you're probably not ready. But if it's minor stuff, you probably are.

tehuti88 · Oct 23, 2008

I don't think there is a point when one is REALLY really done. I try to write things right the first time, but several years down the line, I can almost invariably look back and find things that could be improved. I haven't read them, but I look at the length of the Harry Potter books--how short the first one is compared to the later ones--and wonder if Rowling doesn't ever look back on the first volume and cringe and wish she could change things or expand on them. It's all a matter of time and perspective. Sometimes we have no way of knowing if something is done until years have passed.

There just has to be a point when it's really done for right now and you're then willing to send it off and take your chances.

CharlieBabbitt · Oct 23, 2008

Has anyone read it -- beta readers(not friends or family), freelance editors, workshops, etc.? You can also post your pages here in the SYW section. It's a great idea to get outside opinions before you start querying.

darrtwish · Oct 25, 2008

For me, it's when I can come back to it after a few months and there's nothing that I want to fix or change, other than typos and grammar mistakes. You have to find what works for you.

Kalyke · Oct 25, 2008

I think it depends on what you mean by "things." If the things are inaccuracies or technical errors, you need to go back until it is professional and flawless. I'm talking spelling, grammar.
Done is when the potential matches your expectations. Perfection is worthy but not possible. As good as it gets is about all you can ask.

Bufty · Oct 26, 2008

Fourth draft means nothing - it's the care and depth of the revising and editing that matters.

neener · Oct 27, 2008

Bufty said:
Fourth draft means nothing - it's the care and depth of the revising and editing that matters.

Exactly. Which is why I needed to ask the question...

Thanks all for your input.

mscelina · Oct 27, 2008

You know it's really, really done when the publisher who gave you an advance after purchasing your book tells you that it's really, really done. Until then, it's just a work in progress.

Cherry Bear · Oct 27, 2008

This question rather reminds me of those cheesy romance flicks where the girl asks her mother as they knit curtains, "How do you know when you're in love?" and the mother smiles softly to herself and goes cheesily, "Oh, you'll just know" and she pats her daughter's hand in a touching gesture - not. Anyway, yeah, I think you'll just know when what you're editing isn't really a necessary edit; go with your instinct, I think - if you feel it's right, it's probably right.

triceretops · Oct 27, 2008

I'll go over it anywhere from four to eight times, and send out hard parts to betas or critters. But until my agent passes it, it's not ready. When he gives me the green light, then I know I have to give it up and take my lumps.

Except...if some rejecting editors all agree on a few sticky parts and suggest changes. Then I'll huddle with my agent and discuss the possibility of a rewrite before sending it out further.

Tri

Adam Hammonds · Oct 28, 2008

neener said:
How do you know when you're really, really done?

For me, it's the moment I'm on Oprah's couch. I find that once she's picked my book for the club and the episode has taped, it's just too hard to go back and make major changes. I just think too many people would notice. But then that's just me. I'm a worrier.

neener · Oct 29, 2008

BTW, if anyone is interested I took the advice of posting on the SYW boards. I've got half the first chapter up on the YA board. Here is the link if you want to see for yourself if I'm done or not!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119981

blacbird · Oct 29, 2008

You never really really know. So you have no problem. Or an endless one. Take your pick.

caw

How do you know when you're really, really done?

neener

Cleaning is overrated

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

Danthia

tehuti88

Mackinac Island Fanatic

CharlieBabbitt

Read. Write. Tivo.

darrtwish

Kalyke

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

neener

Cleaning is overrated

mscelina

Teh doommobile, drivin' rite by you

Cherry Bear

red fish, blue fish

triceretops

Adam Hammonds

neener

Cleaning is overrated

blacbird