So I have finished my third draft. My beta reader (aka my long suffering older sister) has finally finished it and given me the last few tweaks. After this, I think I’ll have it ready to go.
I’m sorta slightly terrified.
I’ve been working on this thing for so long that it doesn’t feel real. I’m not entirely sure what to expect out of the process. I’m not published, so I am utterly naive as to the ins-and-outs of the industry. I also have the legitimate fear that my manuscript is going to end up on multiple slush piles and languish there for all eternity. I figure my best route is to get an agent first, but the same horrific fate applies. I’ve done some awesome things in my life, but nothing feels quite as prolific as typing those final words on that final page. It feels like a product, like a creation, like I have actually breathed LIFE into something and it’s exhilarating.
That doesn’t mean that it will be received well. But, my query letter is drafted, my agent list has been scouted, and as soon as I finish tweaking the tweaks, I will send out the first email into the abyss of possibilities.
After that, all I have to do is wait. Have I mentioned that I suck at that?
Ren Martinez 