Blogger: Rachel Kent
We’re always in such a hurry. Running the publishing race and jumping its many hurdles. Getting things done and doing them quickly is great, but there are certain areas where it’s a good idea to slow down and do it right so that you can actually save time in the long run.
1) Editing–I have heard many authors need to power through writing the book to get it finished and once they finish they go back to edit. Don’t plow your way through the editing. Be sure to leave ample time before your deadline for your edits and revisions. This will save you time and will also save hours for your critique partners, agent, and editor.
2) Proposal–One of my clients turned in the most beautiful proposal a couple of weeks ago and I felt like crying because it was perfect! It was so easy to get that proposal read and sent off to the editor waiting for it. This is not always the case. Proposals come in and they make me want to cry because they are a mess. They take me hours to fix up before I feel they’re ready to send.
And if you are submitting your proposal to agents, you want it to be lovely the first time. Take the time to do it right and have someone else look at it before you send it off. This will allow for the agent to actually enjoy your proposal for what it is, rather than getting hung up on formatting and lack of detail.
3) Your author bio–This is part of your proposal, but you will be using versions of it everywhere. Make sure you keep it up to date and that it actually reflects who you are and what you write. Get feedback on it from your friends before using it.
4) Social media and social media marketing–Slow down and think before you post anything. Does what you are going to post help your audience? Does it entertain them? Is it something you should post or could it end up hurting you? If you are not 100% sure it’s okay, don’t post it.
What are other writing-related things you’ve found it’s best to take your time on?
TWEETABLE:
Publishing items to take your time on. It’s worth it! Via lit. agent @RachelLKent. Click to tweet.
I actually slow down while I’m writing now. My scenes (most, anyway!) have more impact when I go back and analyze them while they’re fresh. I’d rather get the opening chapters on track plot-wise early than fix the whole thing later.
Sounds like a good plan since it works well for you! 🙂
Great list; especially the social media thing.
It takes consistency over time and a lot of patience to build a following for one’s platform, and it can be so tempting to abandon the process and try something else, looking for that viral lightning to be generated.
The problem with viral is that it doesn’t seem to hold; by its nature it pulls in people from outside your potential readership, and they’ll fall away in time. I had a blog post called “How To Be A Vulcan” that is still getting hits, a year later; but most of the visitors stopped showing up when they realized that I’m not writing Trekkie Fan Fiction.
The other thing I take time on – and I wish more authors did – is character development. In far too many recent novels, we are dropped into the action on page 1, to ape the pace of current films. We can’t really get to know the characters under fire, as it were; we really only see their reactions, and their introspection lacks what I see is as the reference to everyday life.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Rachel!
Andrew, write long and prosper! 😉
Logically, what else would I do?
Good one!! You beat me to it!
Great point about the transience of viral things.
As in real life: usually people get over a virus in about a week
Thanks for including #4, Rachel. Especially in recent months I’ve noticed authors (and want-to-be authors) making online statements that blast large groups of people for their political positions, for their views on social events, etc. It makes me cringe to see them alienating large pools of potential readers. Of course, it’s fine to have strong viewpoints, but a prudent author may want to exercise some restraint and diplomacy concerning what to say and where.
Blessings to you!
I so agree with this, Rick!
I have noticed many authors doing the same things! It is great (sometimes) to share those opinions with friends and family, but author pages are not the right place. 🙂
Rachel, I think as we mature in our craft we realize that taking time with specific things is wise.
Sometimes, we’re tempted to rush aspects of the process and it shows. On the bright side–we can grow from past faux pas and not repeat the same mistakes.
And I love your point about social media. I just shake my head and wonder what’s going through people’s minds when they post embarrassing updates or photos. Yes, you can delete… but how many folks saw it the first time? Credibility/honor can be tarnished in a heartbeat.
Great thoughts.
Merry CHRISTmas!!
Thanks, Cynthia. Learning what to take time on does come with practice!
And Merry Christmas to you, too!
I have found it wise to take careful time on all things writing-related. Every time I rush, I always look back and see where I missed a wonderful opportunity. Better words always come when I wait.
Speaking of taking time, and for what it may be worth…
During the week, I spend 4-6 hours per day blogging. I write two blogs, which take time in their research and composition.
But a significant amount of time goes into replying to comments on my blogs, and commenting on others’ blogs.
This is not a mercenary endeavour, to gain more traffic; there are other ways to do that with SEO and the judicious use of #hashtags.
Rather, commenting (with thought and substance) is being part of a community, and taking part in a conversation of values. It’s the online way to build bona fides, yes, but it’s also the best way to sharpen one’s platform, and to help others do the same.
I didn’t know you have blogs! Could you please post the links here?
I want to do better with replying to comments myself! Fridays are very busy days for me, but I need to find the hour or so to really dive in to the blog. I love spending time with all of you!
Sure!
“Blessed Are the Pure Of Heart” has been running for a few years, and it’s about Christian marriage. It publishes MWF. You can find it here:
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/
“Starting The Day With Grace” was a challenge blog – 31 days in October, giving a “grace quote” and short commentary, again relating to marriage.
It seemed too cool to let die (and the domain name HAD to be a sign), so it goes on:
http://www.dailygracequote.wordpress.com
It’s up every day.
I’m caught somewhere between “haste makes waste” and “if it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” Thank you, Rachel, for this checklist.
Dear Lord, grant me discernment and self discipline–sooner rather than later, please.
Shirlee, I think the “haste makes waste” versus “if it weren’t for the last minute” dichotomy is one that is more nature than nurture.
Neil Armstrong was of the latter group, and in landing Apollo 11 went to the last few seconds of fuel in the descent engine (before an abort would have been necessary). Buzz Aldrin nearly went mad with anxiety, but Armstrong was used to cutting things close – and found the perfect landing spot.
A prayer I say often! 🙂
I love your prayer, Shirlee. And I’m so thankful for the Facebook edit! 🙂
Rachel, this post is very encouraging. So often I feel I’m falling behind somehow. But when I pray, the list of true to-dos is manageable for today. Peace helps me not rush, but do each thing well. Thanks for reminding us that not rushing not only shows, it matters. Merry Christmas!
What if you have been working on your author bio so long that you know have ten different versions of it to choose from? But yeah, I agree with you Rachel, some things cannot be rushed. And really, the years spent writing slowly and methodically actually enabled me to write faster. Just took a decade or so working up to it.
Argh…errors, there are errors in my post. It is “now” rather than know. Should have spent more time on that comment.
It’s interesing you mention spending time on our biographies. I never know what to say about mysel. Since I know my daily and writing habits, I perceive myself as kind of dull compared to everyone else, but what we find ordinary about ourselves others may find extraordinary .
“What we find ordinary about ourselves others may find extraordinary” … I love that, Laura. Because I always feel kind of dull, too. 🙂
Chad R Allen (.com) has done some very helpful posts on crafting a bio.
I’ve discovered I’m addicted to editing. Finding that perfect word, that epic phrase, that….STAAAHHHHHPP!!!
Some people have family members in professions that require total and complete social media discretion, one learns to put a sock in it on everything. And I mean, everything. Besides, no matter what I think of someone’s politics, attacking those views in a public forum is the same as yelling it in their face. Which is just plain destructive to everyone concerned.
The thing I take a TONNE of time on? Research. In my genre (hist/fic) research is important, but in a niche that involves an ancient, yet still very much alive, culture that is not my own? Research is the difference between meh and marvelous.
These are some valid and important points and I thank you so much for sharing!
I think to strengthen our writing we need to take our time from beginning to end including the writing, editing, proposals, marketing and getting it into the reader’s hands.
Great tips, Rachel. It really is important to slow down during these parts of the process. I’ve made the mistake of going too fast once or twice, and will not repeat it.
Thanks for the post.
Amber Schamel
In editing I need a particular kind of slowing down: I have to let it lie fallow for ad least a couple days. If I do not get a couple good nights’ sleep without looking at it, I cannot see it. I’m always amazed that what seemed so close to perfect one day has huge evident problems a week later.