In most cases, a prologue represents lazy writing.Īccording to author Nathan Bransford, “ A prologue makes a reader start a book twice.” And he should know-he’s also a former literary agent. You know how we talked about killing your darlings? Now, we’re turning our attention to prologues. There’s nothing like time to heal all wounds. You’ll identify whether something grabs you or whether it’s just fluff. When you return, you’ll bring a totally different mindset that will help you see your story more objectively. After you’ve written a story, step away for a week, a month, or even longer. Unless you’ve drawn it before their eyes, they can’t see the world you’ve created as you do. Your reader comes as a blank slate who must be compelled by your sharp storytelling. The characters are extremely real to you and you care about what happens to them. When you write a story, you get engrossed in its world. No matter how much you love your first draft, your second, third, or even fourth is going to be an upgrade. Add hints and foreshadowing to reward the observant reader. Now that you know what’s going to happen, you can clean up loose ends and sharpen the narrative. Most writers learn the story as they go along. I can hear your groans from way over here, but it’s true.Īfter you get the first draft out of the way, you’ll have a better, clearer understanding of the story. But if it’s still your first draft, there’s plenty of room for improvement. You’ve written something absolutely breathtaking. The first draft of anything is $#!+ -Ernest Hemingway While they won’t provide the comprehensive edit that a professional editor can provide, a writer’s critique can point you in the right direction.įor more information about writing communities (and the top 11 to join), check out this post here. The feedback a fellow writer can provide may help you course correct and identify your weak points. There’s nothing quite as refreshing and reassuring as being around other writers who understand the struggles you’re going through with crafting your novel.īeyond that, you can ask fellow members to critique your manuscript in part or as a whole. Joining a writing community is one of the best ways to keep your sanity as a writer. What to do instead? Join a writing community. Either they’re afraid of hurting your feelings or they simply don’t know what to look for in a manuscript. Okay, maybe your best friend has read it, but if we’re being honest here, your loved ones probably can’t provide the type of critique you need to grow. Record the reading session on your phone and then replay at a later date while following along on your manuscript. Sometimes, it helps to zone out when you’re reading out loud and not stop for correction. I recommend breaking it up over days or weeks, reading a few pages or a chapter at a time. It’s going to require time to read your manuscript out loud. What may not be obvious to your stale eyes is clear as a bell when you hear it with fresh ears. short)? Or are you using run-on sentences that slow the reader down? For example, when you’re detailing an action scene, is your sentence structure snappy and quick (i.e. Reading a manuscript out loud may sound like a huge waste of time, but you will be surprised just how many oopsies you can catch when you hear your words instead of think them. Will the reader want to drift through hundreds of pages of character development and backstory when your story could be told in fewer words? Always keep in mind the attention level of an average reader. A bloated manuscript falls into the latter.Įven if you’re planning to self-publish, it’s a good idea to stay within these guidelines. That’s because they understand what sells and what doesn’t. It’s highly unlikely to find a literary agent who’ll represent your 300,000 word novel. Sure, it works for him because he’s Stephen King, but even he’s admitted the need to cut back at times: If you find yourself veering into Stephen King territory, it’s time to double check the door locks and hit the gas until you make it back to safety. The perfect book length rests somewhere between 80,000 to 100,000 words. To figure out if you’re ready to take that next step, check out the following clues: Your Manuscript Is Not Ready If…. Whatever the case may be, it’s possible that your manuscript needs to be tightened up before submitting it to our professional editing service.
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