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Stephen Woodfin's avatar

Good stuff, Amy. Re-reading a first draft is a two-edged sword. I spot weaknesses and also find strengths that stand the test of time. What do you think is the thing that allows you to say your manuscript is ready to leave the nest?

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Amy L Bernstein's avatar

That's such a hard question--but a necessary one. Once I've considered (and reconsidered) every scene at least once and made changes throughout, I guess I get to a place where I make peace with the manuscript as a whole.

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Stephen Woodfin's avatar

Making peace is a good way to think of it. At some point we reach a quiet confidence which lets us release the work into the world.

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Janet Jones Bann's avatar

So helpful! If you don't mind, I will forward it to my clients.

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Amy L Bernstein's avatar

Please share far and wide! That's what I always wish for!

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Janet Jones Bann's avatar

Oh good. Thanks!

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Love this. The book/year just doesn’t seem to sync with my inner clock. So glad you’ve punctured a hole in the marketing myth that unless you’re churning out books readers will lose interest. Reflection and perspective take time for me too. Thank you.

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Chicago Story Press's avatar

So true.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Great advice! Thanks, Amy.

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