I’ll cut to the chase – a few days ago I received the manuscript feedback I’ve been waiting for! Yes, after seven weeks, three days, six hours and seventeen minutes (I may have made those last few numbers up) my inbox finally pinged with the editor’s opinion on my three picture book manuscripts!
And?
Well, it was pretty good! I mean, there’s stuff I need to work on, little bits to tweak in one of my stories, some alterations in another one and the third one possibly needs a large-scale re-think… hmm… but overall I was pretty pleased. It’s given me work to do without being too outfacing and also given me the sense that being published one day isn’t such a ridiculous dream. Well maybe – even writing that last sentence makes my self-doubt demon prick up his ears. But if he decides to launch an attack on my self-belief I now have this sentence (from the editor) to throw at him:
“You have three imaginative stories here, with a buoyant, humorous writing style and verses that read easily and well.”
I’m hanging on to that.
Anyway, I now have plenty to focus my attention on and the beginnings of a plan of action in my head. I know it’s going to be a long road to getting published but I feel I’m just that little bit closer now. And I’m determined to find some time this week to focus on the manuscripts. Life’s been so hectic recently but I think I’ve spotted a writing window later this week and intend to grab it! Carpe diem and all that.
That sounds like amazing feedback Maddy, GO YOU! I’m so proud of you for taking the plunge and doing it. Capitalize on this feeling… Right now, while the momentum is strong is the best time for editing… good luck with the next bit, can’t wait to hear more xxx
Thanks Reneé! Frustratingly I’ve been really short on time this week (again!) and having been able to do any editing yet – grrrr.
Wow, what great news. Hang on to that feeling!
That sounds like great feedback. Really positive with aspects to work on-very positive. I agree, I hope you are able to use this feeling and momentum to your advantage and crack on xx
Yes it’s good to have feedback that is positive enough to keep me going but still with editing to get my teeth into. Thanks Iona. xx
That’s fabulous Maddy, I am so pleased! You sound so energised and positive too, fantastic
Thanks Sara – it was a nice little boost!
What fantastic feedback Maddy, well done you! And yes, seize the day
What a boost for you! #whatimwriting
Thanks Carol – I’ll be seizing the day as soon as I can. xx
Well done Maddy! How lovely to finally get some feedback. Good luck with the tweaks. I’ve been meaning to say to you that The London Book Fair has a whole section dedicated to children’s publishing with seminars for aspiring children’s authors. I’m sure it would be useful to you – it’s on again April next year so that gives you plenty of time! ; ) Enjoy working on your edits, I think that bit can be fun x
Oh London book Fair sounds fab Emily – thanks for letting me know, I’ll keep it on my radar for next year! Hoping editing will be fun – I think I’m already on draft 15 of my first picture book so I’ve come a long way just to get as far as submitting! xx
Sounds like useful and positive feedback! Well done. Now on to the edting, and as Emily says, that can be fun too
Thanks Marija, I’m hoping so! xx
YAY Maddy!! That’s incredibly uplifting news. I’m so glad the revisions feel managable. Whew what a relief after such a long wait. I’m so happy for you
And make sure to print out that sentence so you can read it to the doubt demon when you need to.
I think printing that sentence out is a good Idea Dana – I’ll have to do that! xx
Sounds like good constructive feedback and just what you need to spur you on. Well done you. It must be such a boost to your confidence.
Thanks Nicola, I can’t wait to get going, I just need a bit of time to focus on it!
What brilliant feedback, congrats!
Thanks Rachael!
Well done. You can do this. Getting feedback is a scary thing and even if the more negative pointers hurt now, they’ll make your manuscript a stronger story in the long run. X
Yes, criticism is important even if not fun! Thanks Chrissie. xx
What brilliant comments! That’s great news. I hope you got your writing time.