SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) teaches us to set a completed draft aside for a while. It’s easy to prematurely submit a manuscript to a publisher, or to push publish too soon for Indies. And sadly, these books languish on Amazon with poor reviews and one-star ratings.
We’re too close to our work. By setting aside a manuscript, we gain clarity. A new perspective illuminates typos, plot holes, clunky sentence construction, wordiness, writing tics, etc.
How long to set aside a manuscript fluctuates between two weeks to two months, depending on the writer.
How long do you let your manuscript rest?
Do you start a new project while you’re waiting?
What’s the longest you’ve waited? And why?
Let’s stroll down memory lane.
As a reader, are you a loyal fan? Let’s test that loyalty. 🙂
You’ve just committed the perfect murder (all that research finally pays off!), but to be successful the cops can’t find the corpse. Your DNA, a stray hair, fibers, or fingerprints might lead them back to you.
What’s one activity you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t?

What are your writing goals for 2020? Are you on track to achieve those goals?
What’s the best writerly gift you’ve ever received? Why was it so helpful?

Every family has a holiday tradition, whether it’s a special treat or favorite dish.