I have my hands above my head. One of them is holding a white flag.

That’s it. I’m done. There’s no more I can do with this manuscript on my own power. It’s time to let it go and acknowledge that I have no control over how well it will be received. A publisher will either like it, or not. I’m making peace with that.

“Hi, my name is Cait, and I’m an unpublished author.”

“Hiiiiii, Cait!”

“It’s been one hour since I edited my first manuscript.”

“Take one hour at a time, Cait.”

As someone who is familiar with the 12-step program, I’m convinced we need one for writers like myself who are going through the growing pains of getting their first novel off into the world. Sure, I can self-publish it tomorrow, but I really want to try traditional publishing first.

That’s it, I’m done. Why? Because at this point I need someone in the industry to look at it and give me their professional advice. The story reads well enough, I think I’ve exterminated useless words and typos, but I’m sure another set of eyes will tell me what can be improved. I need and want another set of eyes with book-industry experience.

I’ve been told that writers can hold onto manuscripts forever because they are afraid the work is “not right yet”. Some writers never let go of that fear. I don’t want to be like that. I want to put on my big girl panties, channel my inner Celtic warrior, and shout something to the world that has too many vowels in it (a Gaeilge joke).

That’s it, I’m done. You are my witnesses. I am not going to touch the manuscript except to drag it into an e-mail and click Send. I promise.

“My name is Cait, and I’m a fretty writer.”

Your line: Hiiiii, Cait.

(Stay tuned for more adventures in Caitworldland.)

Cheers!

/cg

Cait Gordon has been a senior technical writer for high tech and government organizations. Her first novel is being sent to the universe. She hopes the universe likes it. (The second book has begun and a third will happen, too!)

Clipart: Waving white flag, by nicubunu (I added text)