Still working on a story

If you feel it's ready after the second edit, then sub it. I mean it all depends. If you feel it's as good as it's going to get, then submit it. You don't want to start over-editing or worrying over it. I would just suggest keep trying.

celticroots said:

I am writing the second draft of a short story, and am still editing it (word choice, plot) etc. After all that is done, I am subbing it, but it feels like I am not making as much progress on my short story submissions as I'd like to. So far, I only have two rejections.

After finishing the second draft of the story, should I edit it again, or sub it?

How can I speed things up?

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Why is speed important to you? A story is ready when it's ready. Are you working to a submission deadline? If not, focus on quality rather than speed. Don't count rejections. Count acceptances. If you're not sure whether it's ready, have you had anyone else read it?

In my limited experience, each story is different. Some seem to write themselves, and others seem to require Herculean effort.

I think as the writer you will know when it's ready...the trick is listening to THAT voice. The critical editor will always tell you it's trash. But there is another voice that says, "This is good."

My current short has been quite a ride. I was in love with the original idea. Loved it when I wrote it, BUT I didn't want to show it to anyone, which is not like me. I couldn't figure it out. Finally, I shared it with my writing partner who said, "It's good, but you can do better." And basically told me to torture my MC. I knew he was right, but I didn't want to do it. I did it anyway, I changed the ending to something less predictable. Went back and changed fixed some of the lazy (read: impatient to be finished) writing. And NOW it is almost ready, and I can't wait to share it with others.

The point of this is...if you are like me, rushing will lead you to trying to let go of a story before it is completely ready. Take the time your story needs, and make it something you can be proud of.

Make sure it is polished. Edit it six times if you have to. Sending stories out doesn't mean getting published if they aren't good. And what's the rush? Why do you want to speed things up?

Let It Cook

I always say 'let it cook'. Even when you think there isn't anything else you could possibly edit from a story, leave it in a drawer for a week and then go back to it with fresh eyes. It can be amazing what you spot or what pops into your head over the week. Best of luck!