Faithful Nest

I finally did it. Yesterday I launched my work off to a publisher, ending one stage and beginning another. After procrastinating, editing, reviewing, and more procrastination, the crucial step to the publisher was made.

Publishing is not for the faint of heart. It requires fortitude, persistence, and a bit of assertiveness. Maybe even recklessness. When people read another’s work, they offer opinions, opposition, correction, and even kudos.

The work is too wordy, too terse, missing line breaks, has orphans and echoes, and all these conflicting reads are hard to digest. But that is what you must do. Consider those well-meaning revelations. Is there a better way to lay out, say, or present your ideas? Bring your most patient and concerned self to the review.

But also bring your inner brat. The one that doesn’t care what anyone says, this is my work and the way I want it attitude. You’re going to need that moral support. Don’t drown in corrections and condescension unless you agree – at least a little.

At the end of the day, it is your work. This is what you are bringing to the world and you need to make sure it is, well, you. I still have some final edits that will come with the proof copy of the book. More work follows with marketing. But I’ve made it this far.