This post is awesome at figuring how to best know when it's time to let go of a novel after examining this dilemma from several different perspectives. I particularly like the assessment of craft as being important but if one doesn't have years of craft practice, still they have the benefits or realizations to write better from what they have already written. I carry a checklist or punchlist in my wallet (characterization, dialogue, world-building, setting, plotting & pacing) to keep in mind when writing and to use to go over a novel to see what's okay, what needs fixing and how it might be fixed without overly disturbing or lessening its potential overall impact. One good beta reader who seems to understand what the novel is attempting is better than a paid editor more concerned with the best rules to obey if they were writing it. A good editor will still be needed especially if one self-publishes but the beta reader might give one a better idea if one is on the right track and if one is nearer to the "got to let it go" or "self publish already" moment. This post is an excellent assessment of aspects to best consider when the "letting go" or "self publish already" moment seems to be approaching.
Larry, I love the idea of the wallet checklist! And yes, a good beta reader can be a great partner in that process of knowing when to self-publish or send the book out.
This post is awesome at figuring how to best know when it's time to let go of a novel after examining this dilemma from several different perspectives. I particularly like the assessment of craft as being important but if one doesn't have years of craft practice, still they have the benefits or realizations to write better from what they have already written. I carry a checklist or punchlist in my wallet (characterization, dialogue, world-building, setting, plotting & pacing) to keep in mind when writing and to use to go over a novel to see what's okay, what needs fixing and how it might be fixed without overly disturbing or lessening its potential overall impact. One good beta reader who seems to understand what the novel is attempting is better than a paid editor more concerned with the best rules to obey if they were writing it. A good editor will still be needed especially if one self-publishes but the beta reader might give one a better idea if one is on the right track and if one is nearer to the "got to let it go" or "self publish already" moment. This post is an excellent assessment of aspects to best consider when the "letting go" or "self publish already" moment seems to be approaching.
Larry, I love the idea of the wallet checklist! And yes, a good beta reader can be a great partner in that process of knowing when to self-publish or send the book out.