March 2020 brought a sudden halt, the world plunged into lockdown in response to COVID-19.What was once a monotonous routine—wake up, work the 9 to 5, cook dinner, relax, sleep, repeat—suddenly felt precious, a routine I dared not lose.
For too long, I'd toyed with the notion of writing a manuscript. Now, with time stretched out before me, I realized it was the perfect opportunity. Yet, I hesitated to label it a book. Jerry Jenkins' words echoed in my mind: a manuscript must undergo ferocious editing, be slaughtered by a copy editor, and edited fifty times over before it can be deemed worthy of publication.
It wasn't until I received the first round of comments and suggestions from my copy editor that the reality sunk in. As the subtitle from an editor's website aptly called "BOOK BUTCHERS" reads, "We slaughter your writing so it can rise in glory from the ashes." My editor gave my manuscript tough love. I have to remind myself that this is how I 'll progress as a writer, I must throw my ego out the window and learn. Every piece of advice from my editor is a golden nugget to be collected and to be used wisely for my future project.
I also found solace in the stories of giants in the literary world. Stephen King, with his perseverance despite countless rejections, " The rejection slips were too thick that the nail fell from the wall and so I replaced it with a bigger nail." he revealed from his book On Writing and J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series was initially rejected by major publishing houses offer glimmer of hope to a middle aged young writer. ( How dare me to even mention these big names in my vlog.LOL!)
So here I am, grappling with self-doubt, yet fueled by a passion for writing. With no time to spare in ensuring the realization of this project, I've chosen the path of independent publishing. It's the digital age that will ultimately bring this manuscript to life, hopefully, finding its place on someone's shelf.
I committed into completing the handwritten first draft of my manuscript. As life gradually returned to normalcy, I transitioned to the computer, tirelessly refining the draft until it reached its nth version. Every morning at 4 am, I dedicated one and a half to two hours to writing, determined to finalize the draft for copy editing.
After completing the manuscript, I reached out to five editors, hoping that someone will accept the job. While two rejected the opportunity, three enthusiastically accepted. Now, fast forward to March 3, 2024, and my manuscript is undergoing its second round of copy editing. Simultaneously, discussions about the cover design have begun, promising a fun and creative process ahead. Yes! Its finally moving ahead. :)
Once my work is released, I will step back and let it embark on its own journey. My role in the process is complete.
Whether it's praised or criticized, I'm prepared for any outcome. Ultimately, the fate of my work lies in the hands of those who choose to invest their time and money in reading it.
Regardless of the reception, I hold onto the belief that good or bad, literature still holds its value. And with that perspective, I eagerly await the verdict from those who will engage with my creation.
Add comment
Comments