I have a goal every summer. Over the four months, I write a novel and a novella. A book published every six months is considered the bare minimum for budding romance writers. That's me. Bare minimum.
Now you would think knowing that, I'd plan, I'd plot, I'd prepare. I have no room for a mistake, a bad manuscript. That would be smart but nope, last summer I didn't. I was cocky. I was going to be a pantser (a writer who writes by the seat of her pants). I was going to sit down and write.
I DID sit down and write (I usually do what I say I'm going to do). I spent three months out of the four (compared to the usual two) on a manuscript I call Corporate. It was a struggle. It was confusing. It was not good. I knew that but figured… hey, I can fix it.
I sent it off to my pre-editor. She didn't like it. At all. She said that although it was better than some novels she has read (i.e. wallbangers – books readers throw at the wall), it wasn't up to my usual standard. I'd disappoint readers if I published it. She suggested major changes. Get a new hero or heroine size changes.
Fine. I swallowed hard. I reread it. I considered the changes I'd have to make. Even if I fixed it, it would never be a great novel. It could only be good. With the same time, I could possibly write a great novella. So I've decided to shelf it. Yeah. It hurt.
I then talked the situation over with my publisher. I told her I'd be submitting my novella before the pre-editor looked at it so I can meet my publishing schedule. She said that was fine.
Some lessons?
Don't Cut Corners
Cutting corners in planning and preparation always shows in the final product. The final product could be good but with more upfront work, it could have been better.
Time Spent Doesn't Count
When I was deciding whether or not to rewrite the novel or write a brand new novella, I would think about the months I spent on the novel last summer. An error. Time like money, once spent, shouldn't be considered.
Negotiate Out Of A Mistake
When faced with the choice between a sub par product or a delay, most rational people will choose the delay. After explaining the situation, my publisher was understanding and happy to work with me. Communication is key.