Well, I’ve finished editing the book. It came out to whopping 483 pages! 
Probably going to change it to TNR so that it doesn’t look so daunting. *g* The word count is similar to RED, which is good. I’m happy that it’ll be sitting at 368-400 printed pages. I’ll admit I’m exhausted. I’ve been pulling twelve hour days, editing this book.
I wish I had big news to share, but there isn’t much happening at casa Summers, but work. Today is Vivi Anna’s birthday! Everyone should drop by and sing her a happy tune. She is on holiday, but don’t let that stop you. 
I’ve been thinking a lot about critique partners while working on this book. Probably because my mom was kind enough to read this manuscript for me and point out the problems. I have a really good critique partner, but there are certain projects that aren’t right for her. At one time, I had five critique partners. That number is a little high. I still have several people I can ask to read for me, but it gets harder and harder the longer you’re in the business.
Why, you ask?
Let me first note that there are two types of critique partners that authors use: One, is a reader. They don’t look for editorial things. They simply read for story. This is the category my mom falls in, although she’s terrific at catching missing words, too. The other, is another author. Most published authors (unless they had the same critique partner before they got published) only want their work read by other published authors. They don’t do this to be snobbish.There are various reasons for this, but the most common reason is that a lot of published authors refuse to read unpublished work. They’ve been burned and don’t want to repeat the experience. 
Unfortunately, when all your critique partners are published they have their own deadlines. So it becomes difficult to get critiques. It’s also hard to receive critiques, when you change genres or your writing shifts. That’s kind of where I find myself right now.
I’m writing things I could’ve NEVER imagined myself writing when I first started out. I think it’s a natural progression for a writer, but it’s also disheartening. You have to start over to a certain degree. Success hinges on how many times you’re willing to begin again. I know I’m rambling. That happens when I’m tired…and when I’m nervous…and when I have monkey brain…
I hope you all can forgive me. 
Have a great weekend.
I’m willing to begin again and again. Hopefully this means great success.
And yeah, tight deadlines make it harder and harder to give and receive crit. 
by Charli August 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pmCharli, There’s not much choice is there?
by Jordan Summers August 28th, 2008 at 11:19 pmI can certainly see where working with a critique partner who reads and writes in the genre your manuscript is in would be incredibly helpful. I forgot about the published and unpublished problem. I remember Tess Gerritsen blogging about unpublished authors trying to hand her manuscripts to read, and how she explained why it’s bad to even catch a glimpse of the title.
by BernardL August 29th, 2008 at 8:43 amJordan,
by Mom August 29th, 2008 at 9:53 amYou know I really enjoyed the book and I don’t usually read this type of thing. I got so engrossed in the characters I couldn’t wait for you to send the next chapters.
Congratulations on your progess, Jordan.
by Suzanne Perazzini August 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pmI have two critique partners, both unpublished and they critique in completely different ways. One mainly encourages me and tells me when the writing is not Americanized. The other is more thorough and will pull me up for inconsistencies or when she thinks I am not being true to a character etc. I occasionally use my sister as a reader and she gives the reader’s overall view of the book. All are necessary and stop me from being too isolated during the actual writing process. Editors, of course, take over after that.
Congratulations on finishing edits! Woo-hoo!!! Hopefully you can take a few days and recuperate before you jump into the next project.
As to critiquing–I think it all comes down to time crunch and deadlines. I have a tendency to write straight up to deadline with my books, so the first person to see the full ms. is my editor.
However, proposals are a different story…as well you know. They don’t go out the door without getting by you (and my other CP’s) first.
Congrats again for getting that sucker finished!!! Take a deep breath and enjoy your weekend.
L, Julie
by Julia Templeton August 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pmBernard, Yes, it helps to have a critique partner that at least ‘reads’ the type of stuff you write. It helps them help you if you know what I mean. As for the published vs unpublished, yes, it can be a problem.
by Jordan Summers August 30th, 2008 at 12:27 amSuzanne, It sounds like you’re in great shape.
by Jordan Summers August 30th, 2008 at 12:28 amJulie, I think you nailed the problem exactly. Working to deadline is par for the course these days. :/
I’m working on it. Less than two hundred pages to read, then it’s type, type, type and SEND. YAY!
by Jordan Summers August 30th, 2008 at 12:29 amMom, I know you did. Made my day.
by Jordan Summers August 30th, 2008 at 12:29 am