#AtoZChallenge: L is for Let it go

A-Z Challenge

For the A-Z challenge, I am posting writing and editing tips to help you improve and enhance your writing.

L is for Let it go

So you’ve spent hours on your manuscript. You know the story, the plot, and the characters inside out. You’re beginning to feel like this every time you look at it:

So what now?

What do you do with your precious manuscript?

Do you:

• Read through it one more time – after all there must be something you’ve missed?
• Send it to an agent?
• Self-publish on Amazon?
• Lock it in a drawer? After all, you wrote it so it can’t be any good can it?

The answer is none of these (what a surprise!).

The answer is that you let it go. You stop checking through it maniacally, mulling over and over little plot points, changing minor bits and pieces. You certainly don’t send it to an agent or self-publish yet. And please, please don’t shut it away. You’ve invested time and energy and passion – don’t waste it.

But do let it go.

And by this I mean send it off into the big wide world, into the hands of a reader (or a few). It’s time to get some feedback; honest, impartial feedback.

If you can’t afford to pay an editor who provides beta reads, then look on sites like Goodreads or Authonomy. These are great places to receive some constructive criticism of your work.

It’s time for the next stage in your writing journey.

Any suggestions for where to find great beta readers? Do share by leaving a comment below. Thank you!

Advertisement