A much-needed boost

After the agony of the past week or so and my very real confidence crisis, I have just received a much-needed boost. Through an online group of children’s writers I’m part of, I discovered that a few people were using a well-known Australian author for manuscript assessments. I’m not going to mention her name publicly here as I want to clear it with her first, but I will say she’s had a lot of success over many years. I previously hadn’t had a manuscript assessment done because I am all too aware that there are a lot of people out there who will gladly take your money and give you very little helpful advice whatsoever. When I heard who the manuscript assessor was, my ears pricked up. I’ve been reading her books for years! If anyone could give me a few pointers on what to improve, I was pretty sure she could.

Slaying my giant

It’s no secret that I don’t like editing. I’m not exactly sure why, but I’m now much more fearful of the editing process than of the writing process. The writing process is mostly fun. There are some tough spots to grit my teeth through, but I have a clear idea (usually) of where I’m headed and enjoy the ride getting there. The editing process is an entirely different kettle of fish.