Out of Your Head: Knowing When the Manuscript Draft is Ready to Edit

Writing a novel can be a daunting task for an author, often a lifetime dream. The initial manuscript draft may take a month if you have the time, dedication, and motivation, or it may take years as you work it in and around everyday responsibilities. When it’s finally done, or you feel that it is, what a major achievement and high! The burden is lifted, and the excitement is elevated. Sometimes self-doubt begins to settle in. Now what?! Someone else has to read it. Never fear, this is a normal reaction and every author goes through an encyclopedia of emotions after such a dedicated and focused effort. Now it is time for the next step, editing!