There is something of a ritual in my writer’s life when I finish a first, readable draft of a new novel. I read the book to my wife, Linda. This is not a simple matter. The reading is a multi-day activity, during which time I will read as many as fifty pages at a time, or as long as my voice can hold. It is also a source of some tension for me insofar as my wife is a very tough critic. Linda—who is the smartest person I know—has been known to say things like, “This is unreadable.” Or, “Your editor is not going to like this.” Or. “It doesn’t work for me.” And there have been times, when I have been reading, that she has fallen asleep. Not a good omen. Not to say that she has not, many a time, said very positive things. Moreover, Linda inevitably has a thoughtful response, questioning aspects of the plot, or character. Or she will make suggestions regarding ways the story could be made better. Or even, “Was that word used in that time?”
Mind, I have been working on the book for any given number of months. Linda will know, in a general way, the subject matter of the book, whether it is a work of contemporary fiction, or historical fiction. But I do not share the specifics of the story, and almost never read her bits or pieces. She will also know which publishing house will be receiving the book, which editor.
So just recently, when I finished the first readable draft of a new book I was understandably nervous about her reaction when I set out to read it to her. In fact, I could not have been more pleased. Linda not only liked the book, she kept asking me to read more chapters.
There is another point to my reading. I do so with pen in hand, and I mark up the MS for changes which become apparent when I do such a reading.
In the days following my reading I go through the manuscript and make adjustments.
Then I send the manuscript to my editor.
It always leaves me with a sad feeling, as if sending a child off into the world. Yes, in time it will come back with my editor’s response. Before that happens, however, I’ll have already started on a new book.
4 thoughts on “Sending the Manuscript Out Into the World”
Thank you for sharing your first reader/listener ideas. I try to use my critique groups. We share entire manuscripts where we judge the strongest and least strong chapters, make suggestions and are free to ask questions. Like raising a child, it takes a village to raise a book.
Thanks for sharing. It is fun to have these glimpses into the writing process of writers I admire.
As you have so aptly pointed out, the reading aloud of writing helps student writers as well. My students always edit more purposefully after reading their story aloud to a partner. I appreciate this post to read to my students reminding them that prolific writers do the same!
Thank you AVI