IWSG: When do you know your story is ready?

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Insecure Writers Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Our Co-Sponsor's this month are:
 Beverly Stowe McClure
Megan Morgan
Viola Fury
Madeline Mora-Summonte
Angela Wooldridge
Susan Gourley

When do you know your story is ready?

Short Answer: A long time after you think it is. ;-)

Long Answer: There are steps to getting a story ready. When you've finished the first/second/third draft, you might think it's ready, but wait! There's more to be done. If you don't have some beta readers, get them post haste. You need more eyes on the story before it sees the light of publishing. I know I needed this step. When my betas could easily identify places I told instead of showing, others that were actual plot holes, and most importantly, characters who needed to be expanded so that the motivations behind their actions were clear. Without this input my story would have been much poorer.

Next I found that polishing was a labor-intensive step. This step took more than one pass. I was still amazed at what I'd missed and shudder what I'm still lacking even though three agents have partials. 

That's when I knew it was time to pitch. I've not worked up the moxie to cold query yet. I'll let this round of partials play out was I work on book 2. 

Walk Among the Leaves with Me

Happy Writing!
Next week: A new harvest of the Book Pusher's Mini Book Reviews!