MN writers/wannabe writers - second and subsequent drafts

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

Dunno what I am really trying to ask here... maybe just looking for a pep talk?

I had a brilliant time writing the first draft of my story and now I'm struggling with the second. Thing is, this draft I'm going through and tidying up and making it consistent, checking details and incorporating research and smoothing out the writing. Then it will need a third draft when I go through and take out the excessively blatant research again. And only then can I actually let someone read it and ask their opinion.

So how many drafts am I going to need? And it it normal for the rewriting to take so, so much longer than the initial writing?

Would any other wannabe novelists like to join me on a support thread?!

lunchtime bump - where are all MN's secret writers? I am sure hundreds of us have admitted to trying to write a novel at one time or another!

Hiya,
I'm slowing still trying to write a novel, taking so long though!

i dont think it needs to be perfect to go to a publisher - if they are keen to publish it eg if it is a really good idea and there are some well-written passages in there, they will go for it and provide an editor to help you revise it, if necessary

Yes I suppose you're right, Newgirl. I'm sure I need to get it as good as I possibly can, but there seem to be diminishing returns on subsequent drafts - the amount of effort seems so great compared to the amount of improvement!

It needs to be as perfect as you can get it to go to a publisher! But it does not need to be a whole book. A synopsis and opening chapters (beautifully presented) will also be considered.

Slowreader - I had assumed I shouldn't be sending anything off until I had it all done, because if they thought it was any good they would want to see the whole thing. Is it normal to send off the beginning before the whole thing is complete, then?

I mean I know I would only send off the first chapter in the first instance, but I had thought I should only do that when I was in a position to send the rest by return of post if requested. Is that not the case?

You could send off say first 4 chaps. + good synopsis, if they really like it they will wait for the end! It is an awful long time between manuscript and finished book. (Thank goodness).

Thank you Slowreader, that is very helpful.

have you got writers and artists yearbook? if not go to the library - and check publishing sites for their rules about submissions,

Yes! I have that, thanks!

Was going to send to agents first rather than publishers, though - is there any advantage to sending to publishers rather than agents?
(Not that anyone will want it, of course )

Make it look nice! It will not be read by editorial director at first but by latest newby in the office/ work experience student/ someone's kid/ office cat etc. It will be one of quite a heap. Make it look easy to carry home/ read on tube etc. (Sorry if that is too obvious).

Agents charge! And are just as busy as publishers.

LOL Slowreader!
It it not hideously long, but what would make it easy to read on tube - you mean spiral binding or a nice little folder or something?

many thanks for the advice btw.

Interesting, I had assumed approaching an agent was the way to go these days.

Is it wrong to submit it to more than one person at the same time?

Yes, spiral binding rather than loose pages much better. I have seen slush piles that truly look like the paper recycling bin.

Do not submit to more than one person at the same time- uk publishing very small world!
I didn't mean posh binding, I just meant practical.
I worked without an agent for years (have one now). It is swings and roundabouts really.

the agents i work with dont charge until a book is under contract but they are very choosy and i agree can take ages to respond to a new writer. An agent can be a good thing as some publishers wont read unsolicitied manuscripts ever, and an agent can negotiate a far better deal - although obviously they take a hefty cut.

when ive taken on books they are rarely in a totally polished form - if the idea is great and there is evidence of good writing, we can help with the final polishing - i tend to find that the authors who think the book is 'perfect' then take the editorial process very badly!

crikey - i would say send it to as many people as you can! thats how you get the best contract! An agent probably wouldnt I agree - they have to protect their relationships with publishers, but a writer can do what they like!

Ah thank you. I wasn't sure whether multiple submissions were something that everyone said not to do and everyone actually did, or something serious. Will not do that then!

sorry, my post was to Slowreader.

Newgirl, I was assuming I would have to do x drafts before getting a publisher interested and then lots more again if I ever manage to find one!

This is brilliant, you are all really helpful, thanks.

!newgirl- you are brave (or I am insecure). Have always thought publishers like to feel specially selected!
Didn't mean to imply that you should feel your manuscript is perfect, because editorial process always constructive I find, but as good as you personally can get it as you only get one chance.

im not brave at all but im a commissioning editor - maybe a very relaxed one! so i think kathy now has ideas from both sides!

yup, just waiting for an agent to wander along to this thread now....