Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For May, the question is: “Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Feather Stone, Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!
My answer to the question (Do you have any rituals when you need help getting into the ZONE?)
Nope. Being a writer and full-time traveler (aka nomad) can be tricky. I don’t have a writing schedule and I don’t have a writing space. No desk for inspirational quotes, a scented candle, or a favorite pen and notebook. No planned writing, as our days vary from sitting an extra day at a campsite to the urge to fix an issue or run errands to driving hundreds of miles to ultimate chaos (aka everything goes wrong).
Home is where the van’s parked
The interior of our camper van is a whopping 80 square feet, shared with my husband and a 60-pound dog… What puts me in the “zone” is no distractions, nobody around, and total peace. Ha!
My book progress
One advantage of COVID-19 is that we were “forced” to shelter in place, which provides unlimited electricity, water, internet, and uninterrupted time to write/work! Two weeks ago, two traditional publishers I contacted, requested my full manuscript for review. That prompted me to follow up about my query with all the others who hadn’t sent rejection emails (yet).
Not the easiest way to work…
I have been researching and contacting (developmental) editors, as this is most likely the next step on my route to self-publishing. Like my husband, I prefer to be a step ahead of the game. Unlike my husband, I won’t leave a stone unturned in this first attempt of writing and publishing a travel memoir. I also read articles and blogs I stumble across about the craft, like this one by Jane Friedman, about how to sustain your creativity during a pandemic.
What’s next?
Waiting for news from publishers, checking out work by and testimonials for editors I contacted, and – likely – making a decision about which editor to hire (a process which I plan to report on in the future). At some point, I’ll have to research cover artists and how to self-publish. And play around a bit with book covers and blurbs.
If you would have been writing a book for five years to arrive at a final, clean, beta reader-approved draft, would you be ready to self-publish it or would you add extra time (and a substantial cost) to create a better version of your book by hiring a professional editor?
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May 6, 2020 at 16:50
Hi, Liesbet – Congratulations on the book progress that you have been making — and for ‘leaving no stone unturned’. I can’t wait to read more about what happens next for you.
Sadly, I do not have an answer for your final quesiton. I will be interested in what other authors have to say about that.
Good luck!!
May 6, 2020 at 16:54
Thanks, Donna! I guess I’m entering a period with a lot of doubt… But, that’s what the IWSG is for! 🙂 After being occupied with a project for (almost) five years, do you finally get it “done and over with”, or do you keep improving… Pffff.
May 6, 2020 at 17:04
I wasn’t aware that two traditional publishers have asked to review your full manuscript. That sounds promising. I’m glad that you are taking advantage of your current situation, even if the cause was something less than positive. Like Donna, I don’t have an answer to your question, but having a good/professional editor would seem to be advisable either way, wouldn’t it?
May 6, 2020 at 17:38
Hi Janis! The request by those publishers happened a couple of weeks ago – they were the last two I sent a query to and they (very quickly) replied with their request. I thought it was exciting as well, but as long as nobody commits to my project, I don’t want to jump the gun. 🙂 You are right about the editor, since I’m a perfectionist. In any case I would at least have someone proofread the final version.
May 6, 2020 at 17:25
I agree with Janis as I read “Two traditional publishers I contacted, requested my full manuscript for review.” I can’t imagine these publishers would both request a full mss. unless they were very interested. In the meantime, you are doing the right thing, leaving no stone unturned in the writing biz.
As you know, I hired a professional editor, actually two, because I knew my memoir wasn’t polished well enough to publish. In my case, it was certainly worth the cost.
I look forward to your feedback from the publishers. You’re keeping us in suspense, just like in a thriller. Wishing for a happy surprise for you, Liesbet!
May 6, 2020 at 17:41
Thanks, Marian. Hey, that’s what I hope for in my memoir as well – to keep the reader in suspense.
Those requests were an interesting turn, Marian, as nobody else up to that point showed much interest. As a matter of fact, I am still waiting for news from other publishers too, but it seems like this pandemic has messed everything up, even the schedule of publishers. Some publishers, however, appear to take advantage of these changed times to read. Beats me!
May 6, 2020 at 17:36
As I drench myself in your world (via your posts), I have no idea yet if I’d be more creative or less given your circumstances. I’m just going to have to keep reading.
May 6, 2020 at 17:46
Now that’s good motivation to keep reading, Jacqui! 🙂 Let me know once you have an answer.
For me, it’s always a mixed bag, a catch-22, a “grass is always greener” kind of thing. I KNOW I’m more productive when sitting idle and I sometimes CRAVE it and I always ENJOY it and currently WANT it to last. But… getting into the routine of this “temporarily settled” life – I HATE routines – I just can’t wait to hit the road again and see the world and have every day be an adventure. Yeah… there must be a word for that kind of personality. If my only passion would be writing (and not traveling), I’d be in heaven right now, in my current circumstances.
May 6, 2020 at 17:42
Congratulations on the full manuscript requests, Liesbet! That is fantastic news. It’s wise to take advantage of this time. I’ve been doing the same. Keep us posted!
May 6, 2020 at 17:49
Thanks, Jill. We will see what happens with the manuscript; I don’t have my hopes up. Glad to read that you manage to be productive with your writing these weeks/months as well. As long as we can handle it mentally and emotionally, these Corona times encourage us to focus and work from the comfort of our homes!
May 6, 2020 at 18:05
Keep submitting and keep the faith, Liesbet. I believe in you!
May 8, 2020 at 15:40
You are the perfect cheerleader! 🙂
May 6, 2020 at 19:04
Hi Liesbet! I also hadn’t heard about the two publishers asking for your work. That is a positive sign for sure. But I think you know where I stand on the self-publishing angle. While I do agree that a proofed and polished manuscript is best, I also know that it is impossible for it to be 100% perfect. At some point you have to take the leap and just “get ‘er done!” ~Kathy
May 8, 2020 at 15:43
Hi Kathy! I’m not sure where you could have heard about those two publishers asking for a full manuscript, as I only post these writing updates once a month and these events happened about two weeks ago. To clarify that and hopefully erase confusion, I added this information to my post. 🙂
You are so right about a book never being perfect. It’s impossible, as I could, honestly, tinker with it forever. Yet, having a pair of unbiased eyes will help. I am so ready to “get ‘er done”!!!
May 6, 2020 at 19:13
Congrats on the requests!
May 8, 2020 at 15:44
Thanks, Kim! We will see what happens – my life’s motto. 🙂
May 6, 2020 at 19:17
If I had to self-publish, I would definitely hire an editor.
One of the IWSG admins is a publisher and has a webinar coming up on publishing. You should check it out.
May 8, 2020 at 15:44
Thanks for the tip, Alex. I will check that out! And, yes to hiring an editor when self-publishing!!
May 6, 2020 at 21:20
Liesbet, all the best for a positive outcome from those upturned stones. Like most things in life it will happen when you least expect it. Take care.
May 8, 2020 at 15:47
Hi Suz! Thanks. I guess I better stop expecting things, right? In general, I’m pretty good with the “let’s see what happens” approach, especially when it comes to our lifestyle and travels. With this book, my patience is wearing thin after 4.5 years of hard work. 🙂
May 7, 2020 at 04:05
That’s good news about the publishers. You are making progress. I know nothing about the world you’re talking about but in MHO I think you can only polish so much. At a certain point a thing needs to be done, otherwise there’s a danger it never will be. Good Luck Liesbet.
May 8, 2020 at 15:50
Hi Trace! That is certainly a good point and I agree – at some point, I have to call it quits and trust my memoir is as good as it can be. Sometimes, you have to continue with and believe in “good enough” instead of striving for “perfect”, which doesn’t exist, in a book or in anything else in life. I’m almost at that point! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
May 7, 2020 at 05:32
Looks like you’ve already gotten plenty of advice/opinions on your question. Seems to be that it boils down to how expensive a “professional” editor is. We have had mixed results in hiring “professionals” in multiple fields and therefore are very skeptical. You seem to have many smart friends and associates, so I like your idea of having it carefully proofread by one of them, if an editor is expensive. Good luck!
May 8, 2020 at 15:55
Hi Leslie! Thank you for weighing in. I hear you about hiring professionals (same skepticism here in regards to hiring them for boat and/or camper issues, or anything really), which is why we usually do as much of it ourselves – from cooking to fixing items to researching every bit. You know… When it comes to editing, however, a fresh perspective, experience, and professionalism is required; things I don’t have at this point. My main reason to pursue a developmental editor (they are quite expensive) right now, is to make the story and flow of the book better. I do know people who would make fabulous proofreaders and that will be the final, final step. 🙂
May 7, 2020 at 14:46
Liesbet that sounds like very good news! I don’t know a thing about publishing a book but I have to think two publishers asking for the complete manuscript is a big step.
May 8, 2020 at 15:57
Yes, Sue, having two publishers ask to read the entire manuscript is awesome and progress. Yet, as long as nobody picks it up to publish (and commit to it), I’m still at square zero… Fingers crossed! 🙂
May 8, 2020 at 05:29
Good news on the two publishers! Fingers crossed 🤞🏻.
May 8, 2020 at 15:58
Thanks, Anabel! the more fingers, the better. 🙂
May 8, 2020 at 08:10
Liesbet, I am so claustrophobic, I can’t imagine trying to live and work in an 80 square foot space. There are days when my 1,500 sq ft house feels like it’s suffocating me. I am in awe that you are able to focus under those conditions.
I’m going to echo what so many others have said. It’s AMAZING that you’ve had a couple of nibbles from publishing companies. You had to have been stoked when you received those messages!!
May 8, 2020 at 16:05
Hi Joanne!
People who live and travel in small campers (and in any RV actually) count on being outside a big chunk of the time, since our backyards can be endless playgrounds. That’s why we pursue pleasant weather, which seems to be harder to find and less consistent than ever. Believe me, I sometimes get fed up with our living and working conditions as well, but usually a little break from the road (before Maya, those breaks were house sits, now, not so sure anymore – COVID-restrictions sending us into an apartment, I guess) does the trick. As I write this, my feet are getting itchy again, to head west.
Yes, I smiled when I received the messages from those two publishers, but I also know to not “jump the gun”. Actually, one of my rules of thumb is not to look forward to things or anticipate situations as that – guaranteed – brings disappointment… It’s all good! We will see what happens. Back-up plans are handy. 🙂
May 9, 2020 at 08:37
I know what you mean about itchy feet. Some days I feel borderline desperate to get back out onto a trail. I hope the restrictions loosen up here soon!
May 10, 2020 at 11:19
If you’re of the claustrophobic kind, I can feel your mental and physical pain to get out and about again. First, the weather needs to improve (for me anyway), and then, the measures need to ease up. Although, in many areas of the world, hitting the trails is entirely possible. Have a great Sunday, Joanne!
May 8, 2020 at 19:01
That’s exciting that two publishers are asking for more, Liesbet! My book is being peer-edited and I asked her to be brutal (and she is!). So I have quite a few edits to do, of course, at my option, but those extra eyes are important. Like yours, the writing has unfolded over 4 years and I have repeated concepts or had some style changes over time since I have grown as a writer. Due to our relocation in the next 7-8 months with packing, downsizing and physically moving, I will likely self publish, complete with a blog tour in 2021.
May 10, 2020 at 11:11
Terri, you have a lot of exciting events coming up! The move, summer vacation, and the book! I didn’t realize your fitness book is already in the editor stages. Good for you! I do think it’s important to have that extra set of (professional and experienced) eyes!
I don’t think there’s much repetition in mine (as that’s something I think I managed to pick up myself over the years of reviewing), but my memoir covers a period of ten years and it’s hard to know what “belongs” and what doesn’t. More of an “intriguing sections” versus “boring anecdotes” thing. My first draft was 160K words and it’s now down to 88K!
May 9, 2020 at 00:26
Two full manuscript requests – wow, congratulations! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Deciding whether to hire an editor is a tough choice. On one hand, I can almost guarantee it will make your book better. On the other hand, how much better? Enough to make a quantifiable difference in sales? Or a difference in your satisfaction and confidence?
After writing and self-publishing 15 full-length novels, I can tell you that my writing has vastly improved with experience. Even though I polished my first novel to the best of my ability at the time, I’ve re-written it three times since and just finished polishing it again this year to bring it up to the standards of my current work.
So would it have been worth it for me to hire an editor up front? Yes. I would have learned a lot and learned it quickly; and the investment in editing would have been amortized over my subsequent books.
But hindsight is 20/20. I didn’t know I was going to carry on with my writing career when I wrote that first book, and I didn’t have the money to spend on editing then. And even without professional editing, my book(s) sold well. (I had an extensive background in technical writing before I switched to fiction, though, so… who knows?)
I guess you’re the only one who can decide whether (and how much) to invest in your book.
Sorry I can’t be of more help…
May 9, 2020 at 19:56
Hi Diane, how did you find the transition from a Technical Writer to fiction?
May 9, 2020 at 22:08
The transition from technical writer worked surprisingly well. An organized mindset really helps with plotting and attention to detail in fiction; although I do consciously simplify in my final edits so that the story doesn’t get bogged down with over-explaining every tiny plot point. (That’s the curse of the technical writer: Must… explain… everything…!)
I had done quite a bit of creative writing in high school and I’ve always been a voracious fiction reader, so I had a pretty good grounding in in fiction as well.
It’s funny though – I had always sworn I’d never write fiction because it was too personally revealing. Guess I lied… or else I just stopped caring so much about what other people think. 😉
May 10, 2020 at 05:10
Ha, ha, you made me laugh! I’m guilty of explaining everything!
Not caring about what other people think is a blessing – stick to it! 😉
May 10, 2020 at 11:30
Being able to not care about what other people think about you is a virtue and it makes life so much easier and less stressful. You should try it, Nila! 🙂 Also, if you have a moment or are ready for a pleasant distraction, Diane’s blog posts are always a joy to read – funny and well-written! https://blog.dianehenders.com/blog/
May 10, 2020 at 20:42
I do try it but must try harder. 😉
Thank you and I’ll pop over for a read, cheers, Nilla
May 10, 2020 at 11:17
Hi Diane!
As always, I appreciate your insights and experience when it comes to writing, editing, and publishing. Thank you for that! Your ARE a help. And, you sure read my mind – the reason for my hiring an editor would be for my satisfaction and learning how do create a better cohesive story.
I want professional help to improve the manuscript and make it as compelling as possible. I have zero experience writing, editing, and publishing books and have never done a creative writing course let alone attended ANY lesson of ANY kind in English as I went to school and college in Belgium, where English isn’t even a national language. So, I guess this process has to do with my confidence as well.
That being said I’ve always enjoyed writing and language (Dutch and English) and I’ve written my entire life, so that part – luckily – comes easy. 🙂
May 9, 2020 at 19:54
Wow, congratulations!
I’ve never even though about writing a book and not sure where you find the time but like you, I’m better writing when I’m alone and without all the distractions – not always possible though… 😉
May 10, 2020 at 11:23
Hi Nila! Rarely ever is it possible for me, in our camper van, to be alone and/or without distractions when it comes to writing. Creating a book is, indeed, a massive undertaking. I wrote all of it during house sits and did most of the editing in a settled environment as well. I can’t create long-term or long-time in our camper van. The chunks of private time are non-existent or very short! Also, there is NEVER enough time in a day to do everything I set out (or hope) to do. Priorities… That’s the key. 🙂
May 10, 2020 at 20:40
Totally understand your predicament as I had the same problem living in a 28-foot (then extended to 34-foot) boat for 20 years, before moving onto a 47-foot boat. Space was always a premium.
You’re absolutely correct, prioritising is the key! 😉
May 13, 2020 at 12:13
I keep forgetting that you used to live (and still do??) on a boat. Twenty years on a tiny vessel? Wow! We were fed up with the challenges of that lifestyle after eight years on a 35ft catamaran. But, we moved a lot, had two big dogs, and ran a business… Difficult times, but enough fun as well. 🙂
May 13, 2020 at 22:55
Yes, 20 years on a 28′ motor sailor, which we extended to 34′. Then bought a 47′ in New York, so another year or so on her, she was beautiful!
Have been a landlubber for 9 years now but do miss living on a boat.
I’ve published some posts on building our first boat to launching and sailing. Still have many more travel journals to digitise. 🙂
May 14, 2020 at 09:58
Good for you for digitizing your travel journeys. I have 35 years of written diaries stored in boxes! The last five years, I’ve kept a journal on my iPad.
I sometimes miss the boat life (the wildlife, the snorkeling, the friendships, the being in beautiful, remote, and peaceful anchorages), but the challenges are still too fresh in my head to rush back to a life on the water! Not sure whether it ever will happen again.
May 10, 2020 at 02:37
I am simply in awe of someone who’s had 15 books published!!!! You’re on your way, Liesbet, despite adversity. Good luck! 🙂 🙂
May 10, 2020 at 11:26
Hi Jo! Isn’t that crazy, Diane having completed and published fifteen books? She’s a fantastic writer and her blogs will make you snicker as well. 🙂
May 10, 2020 at 15:33
I think it is very encouraging that you had some publishers request the entire manuscript. Maybe the time is right for an adventure memoir.
I know you will get this book published one way or the other. I’m looking forward to reading it.
May 13, 2020 at 12:11
Hi Duwan! Thanks for believing in my book and being interested in a read.Yes, those two publishers seem to be excited to immerse themselves into my travel/sailing memoir. I haven’t heard back anything, though. My experience has been that if someone is interested in my proposal – whether it’s an article or a book – they react pretty fast. It has been a long and quiet waiting game!
May 11, 2020 at 17:09
Oh my gosh, Liesbet! Here’s hoping that one of them will take you up on your manuscript. That’s half the battle–to get someone interested enough to want to read the manuscript. Oh what I’d give for your quiet, small space–in the middle of nowhere?–to write. Bravo!
I answered your comment on my blog with my developmental editor’s information. You can do this. All the luck.
May 13, 2020 at 12:15
I’d give a lot for a quiet, small space in the middle of nowhere as well – with no dogs, people, or distractions around. 🙂 And, ideally without camper errands that take hours to run… Thanks for the info – I’m narrowing down my choices.
May 12, 2020 at 20:17
You are at the fun part lol! Good luck in your quest. I just opened your email (my bad) and replied. <3
May 13, 2020 at 12:16
Thanks, Debby! You’ve gone through this plenty of times… and you keep doing it. But, it helps to have found a good editor you stick with. 🙂 Soon, I’ll have to make my choice.
May 14, 2020 at 13:20
I know it can be hair tearing. Good luck 🙂
May 15, 2020 at 10:11
Thanks, Debby! I’m really trying to see every development and decision as a “step of the way” and not be too emotional or analytic about it. 🙂
May 13, 2020 at 16:25
I’m completely with you about solitude and silence. I just can’t deal with external distractions. There’s enough of those going on in my head when i’m writing!!
May 14, 2020 at 09:45
Isn’t that the truth! Sometimes I wish I could switch my mind off and just be. Sounds like bliss! Many times, my crazy mind gets me excited, motivated, and passionate about writing projects and other pursuits. Other times, it drives me up a wall, especially late at night when I wish to sleep…
May 14, 2020 at 01:44
Hi there, lots of great thoughts so far on your question. Instinctively, without knowing you at all 🙂, I would say, ‘don’t wait’. Yes, you might come up with a better version of what you’ve got, but that will always be possible. The reason that you are publishing will also influence your decision ie if this is more for you than profit then definitely don’t wait. Come to think of it, if this is more for profit than you, then don’t wait either.🙂
May 14, 2020 at 10:01
Hi Catherine! Thanks for swinging by and leaving your two cents! I don’t know anyone who writes for profit. 🙂 Even if they wish to, it’s a tall order… That aside, I agree with you. I’m ready to get my “baby” out in the world and get it published ASAP at this point. I will involve professionals to make it as good as possible and hope to achieve my goals this summer. Enough of this waiting game (for agents and traditional publishers). 🙂
May 14, 2020 at 11:29
Hi Liesbet, I always think about the word “flexible” when I think about your philosophy and lifestyle. It sounds like you are making steps forward, yet always decisions to still make. You have received great advice in the above comments. Hopefully, it helps. I am looking forward to reading your memoir!
May 15, 2020 at 10:09
You are always so kind with your comments and support, Erica. I do hope you will be able to read my memoir this year. You are right, every step of the way creates obstructions and decisions – all difficult ones as they decide the destiny of the book (and the wallet). As you can imagine, in this case of “birthing my memoir”, being frugal is an impediment, so I have to let that go and decide what’s best for the story…
May 20, 2020 at 15:03
You are making a LOT of progress, Liesbet. I’m so excited that you were asked to send a full ms by two different publishers. That is HUGE. Even if nothing comes of it, it encourages you to continue on your writing and publishing path. This may sound funny, but I don’t know what a “developmental” editor is. When I co-wrote my first book of fiction, we got an agent almost immediately, and she asked us to hire an editor. We did, but feel we wasted our $1,000. The editor only suggested a tiny change at the end of the book, and we didn’t follow her advice. Since I’ve been an editor/proof-reader for many years, the hired editor found no editing or spelling mistakes. I DO believe in great beta readers. I find the “publishing world” so hard to fathom in their decisions of what is publishable (ie, what will make them money) and what is not, that I lean toward the self-publishing mode.
May 22, 2020 at 09:17
Hi Pam!
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experience here about your publishing path and hiring an editor. By the sounds of it, you’d be fantastic as your own editor, especially on the copy/line level. It appears that the editor you hired was not worth her fee. It’s tough to choose an editor, as their styles, interests, and processes differ greatly. And, I don’t have any experience hiring professionals… I’ve been thinking about this and vetting/contacting potential editors for weeks now.
A developmental editor is an editor who looks at the structure of the book and not the language per se. It’s editing at a deeper level to make sure the manuscript “flows”, to make sure what doesn’t belong goes, and to give suggestions about how to improve the prose. Usually, after hiring the developmental editor and making the necessary changes, hiring a copy/line editor is required. And then, the last step, a proofreader.
I agree about the value of beta readers and mine gave really good feedback and suggestions, but I’m at a point where I could really use a professional’s help and input to make this travel memoir the best it can be… We shall see! 🙂
Nothing came from the traditional publishers (yet), so I will have to go the self-publishing route after all. I do love the freedom and flexibility with that path, but, again, it would have been nice to have professionals hold my hand in this process.
May 22, 2020 at 15:10
Okay, I totally understand your desire of a developmental editor now. When you’re ready for a line editor/proofer, I’ve used a wonderful woman (and blogger) for my books. She’s excellent and reasonably priced.
May 23, 2020 at 12:22
Thanks for the info and suggestion, Pam! I’ll see what happens… 🙂
June 28, 2020 at 14:22
Liesbet, I’m thrilled to read that two different publishers have requested your full manuscript. I’m very curious to find out what comes of that, and I guess I’ll have to keep reading and catching up on your blog posts to find out!
I think you are wise to continue on with next steps while you wait — e.g., looking into hiring a developmental editor; exploring self-publishing as a route. When I used to publish a lot of academic articles, as soon as I submitted one, I’d move on to my next writing project so that I’d always be working on something while I waited. I must say that publishing so many academic articles and chapters helped me to develop a thicker skin. Even though I received far more “accept with revisions” decisions than “reject,” the rejections helped keep me humble, and the feedback about revisions was a great learning experience (if not always welcomed at the time).
Jude
June 30, 2020 at 16:16
Hi Jude!
Thanks for reading and catching up on my blog posts. By now, I have a little bit more information about some of the publishers, but nothing positive, really. I’ll summarize it in tomorrow’s blog post, as it is the first Wednesday of the month once again!
I’ve seen it mentioned before that once your submissions are out in the ether, it’s best to focus on another writing project. And, that’s what I would be doing if I didn’t have anything else going on. For some reason, in our life, there is always something else going on. I will never be bored and I will never run out of topics to write about as I think of – or experience – new material every day! 🙂
When it comes to my sailing articles in the past, most of those were accepted as well (and if not, I never received feedback or tips, unfortunately), so this book-length writing material is another beast. No help or suggestions within the rejections either. That being said, I have pretty thick skin too. Not from getting rejected often before writing this memoir, but from running a business and having to deal with customers. Having low expectations helps as well. Since this has been my approach in life for decades, I’m pretty good at it. 🙂