Susan Brandt
asked
Michael Murphy:
How do you decide your book is ready to be sent out? (Or when do you stop revising and cut bait?)
Michael Murphy
Susan, this is one of the toughest questions an author has to answer. We become so close to our work, that we lose perspective and objectivity. I consider manuscripts to be like a sculpture. When the work is initially finished, there's still work to be done, shaping and polishing, sometimes taking a chisel to the piece to remove a section that doesn't quite work. Aspiring authors should use beta readers or critique group members (not family or friends who tend to not want to hurt one's feelings) to read the manuscript. If they raise significant issues, then there's more work to be done.
More Answered Questions
Angie Boyter
asked
Michael Murphy:
Hi,Michael, Since you Liked my review of The Big Brush-off, you clearly follow the reviews, so I was surprised you have not responded to a message I sent you on your website pointing out an error in The Big Brush-off and the publisher's description of the book.Did you receive my message?
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