When to Revise, When to Relent
I know. I said no more rewrites of Book 1. I promised I would go on with the rest of the series.
And if this series is no good -- then let it be. Start something new.
But I'm not rewriting for the sake of rewriting. Or just because I'm depressed my full was returned with a polite "it's not there yet." Well, okay maybe it is in response to the agent's commens on the full, and to the advice I garnered from the Secret Agent Contest, and from meditating on High Concept. If I didn't have respect for those two agents, I wouldn't take their advice, but I do respect their opinion, so I'm taking a hard look at my story.
Mostly, however, it's because I have a great idea how the book can be improved which is still in keeping with my original vision for the story. In fact, I think it captures the heart and soul of the story even better.
Yet, I am still trying to rewrite cautiously. There's always the temptation to rewrite to the point one is writing an entire new book -- in which case, why not just write an entire new book? I will never be completely satified with my book, because it will never be perfect. I have to relent eventually, and just let it be complete rather than perfect.
I'm still excited about the changes I've made. *grin*
Comments
I, too, am embarking on a substantial revisions. Gulp.
This businesses is a constantly evolving and changing being. It is never truly finished. I did a post on this exact thing just recently, as I am frustrated with the constant changes and revisions I am doing on my own two novels.
I agree with sraasch, who is says part of growing as a writer is distinguishing what is good and bad, and when are simply overediting.
I think the key is to not lose your voice!