editing

Seeing It in Print – One Step Closer – I’m a Work in Progress

Posted by Barbara Techel

Today I completed yet another full edit of my manuscript,Through Frankie’s Eyes. At the end of January my editor,Yvonne  left me with the task of editing the majority of my manuscript with suggestions/comments she made on a portion of it. Because I have a limited budget to work with and Yvonne believes in helping authors be better writer’s, I had a lot of work ahead of me.

My initial reaction was that I didn’t want to do it. I felt defeated when she suggested I go through the rest of the manuscript and make improvements based on her suggestions. But after sitting with it a day, I realized I was too anxious to move through the process. I was frustrated it was going to now take longer. Once I made peace with that, I dove right back into it – little by little – each day. As I got into it I felt embarrassed for things I should have caught the first time around – but no use in beating myself up for that now – no time for it. I’m a work in progress.

Today after finishing up with the last edits to the last chapter, I felt elated – I did it!  Anxious for step two of my editing process I drove to the printers and had the manuscript printed out. I had to pay extra to have it done right away, but I didn’t care. I was ready. When the gentleman handed my printed manuscript to me, I got goosebumps.

I made my way out to the car where Frankie was waiting in her doggie car seat. I skimmed through my manuscript and seeing it all in print made me realize that I had now actually written a whole book – tears filled my eyes. I looked at Frankie and patted her on the head – this manuscript I held in my hands is all because of her – my dog on wheels who led the way to me finding my authenticity.

Tomorrow I’m looking forward to taking my printed manuscript along with a red pen and heading to a new coffee shop nearby to start a line by line edit for any other changes I need to make – of which I am sure there will be more. But I can accept that every change I make is another step closer to being a better writer. I’m willing and ready. I’m a work in progress and I love it.

My Manuscript is Complete. Happy Dance. Forward March to Editor.

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I began Through Frankie’s Eyes manuscript one year ago- almost to the day. Today I’ve completed it and it is now ready to head to my editor, Yvonne. I’m doing the happy dance, but also feeling a bit surreal. I shed a few tears writing and then reading the last few pages of the last chapter.

Today I also officially announced to Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog fans that she is now semi-retired, so that chapter of my life and hers is making a slow transition to allow for the work that lay ahead for me in the editing process of my book, endorsements, cover design, marketing, etc.

It seemed like I was trudging through thick mud when I began this journey to write my story, and now here it is-complete and ready for the next step. But I am reminded again at how things all seem to sync and play out in their own time. Reminded again to trust the process.

It is somewhat bittersweet to know I am done. But now I will look forward to the exciting chapter of editing. I always grow and evolve through the editing process so I welcome it.

So…. forward march to the editor!