A “How To” Guide for the Prospective Writer – Step Seven on the Writing Journey
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Written by Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
Melissa Velasco is an Indie author with a quick wit, edgy writing style, and bold willingness to take a flying leap into the unknown. She is the author of the Hollywood High Chronicles book series, a metaphysical thriller deep dive into the trials of a pack of metaphysically charged teen misfits growing up in gritty 1990's Hollywood.
Every writer reaches a point where the manuscript feels finished, yet one crucial stage remains. Before your work can shine, you need distance, honesty, and most importantly, an editor. This article explores the essential final steps of the writing journey: taking a brain break, performing the dreaded boredom check, and finding the right editor who can transform your draft into a polished, professional book.
Stop, stop, stop! Are you a prospective writer who just joined this “How To” writing guide? If so, you need to rewind. The previous articles are here: Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer, Executive Contributor at Brainz Magazine.
Alright, is it just us? Here we go. In previous articles, I kept promising that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s true, although I tricked you. There’s another tunnel just past this one you’ve bravely traversed, but let’s enjoy this next step.
The brain break
You need to give your manuscript a couple of days' break. Set it aside and do all the things you’ve neglected. Get the pantry stocked, clean your house, and take a brain break. Authors immerse themselves in their writing, often to the detriment of other areas of their lives. You need a fresh outlook. Create that by clearing your other checklists and nagging concerns. Just trust me. This is a real part of this process.
The boredom check
This is a tough one, but it’s nothing compared to the writing hurdles you’ve leaped through on our journey thus far. You need to do one final, very honest, read-through of your manuscript. You’re checking for something that might hurt. Boredom. A warning: I’m not referring to your boredom with the story you’ve practically memorized. That’s different and expected. We’re after a truly honest observation of your book, hence the need for a fresh brain that’s cleared of other concerns. Now that you’re refreshed, dive in and take a good look at what you’ve created. Fix only what’s a truly glaring issue. Don’t go wild at this stage. Panic and overthinking aren’t your friend right now. Trust your work. This step isn’t a redo. It’s a triple check.
And now, for the big step into the light. It’s time for. The Send
If you choose one thing to listen to in this “How To” series of articles, this needs to be it!
You need an editor. A real one! Not someone who loves you! Not a “yes man” who’s obligated to tell you they adore your book. You need to hire an experienced editor who does this for a living.
“Why do I need an editor?” you ask. Because they know what you don’t. I’m a firm believer in hiring experts because one person can only know so much. You’ve done a huge part of this creating job, but it’s time for some polish. That’s what an editor does.
Let’s get the arguments out of the way:
“I can’t afford an editor.”
You can’t afford not to have one. You’re creating something great. It’s worth the investment.
“I’m a good writer.”
I believe that. I also guarantee that the best writers have editors. Their books are successful because they invest in their work.
“I just want to be done.”
I know you do. Labor is like that. Everyone wants to give up, but you can’t. You didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Do you have more arguments? Take a deep breath and push them aside. This is the path. You need an editor. End of story. If you don’t have one in mind, start researching. There are many brilliant editors out there. I work with “Ascender Book Services.” Kyle Fager is magic. He teaches, guides, and knows his stuff.
A warning: You need to choose someone with whom you get along, in addition to an editor with competent skills, who understands your writing voice and goals. An editor/author relationship goes deep. You’re going to have disagreements. You’re going to come at things from different perspectives. You need a relationship that can weather the coming process. Choose carefully. I’m glad I did. My editor has taught me very hard lessons that I needed to learn. I chose the right person, and I thank my lucky stars every day.
The veiled hard part
Once you have your editor, you need to send your manuscript. Everyone reacts to this stage differently, but I experienced terror. I’m not talking soft, sweet worry. I was overcome with raging panic. I almost shut down my project. Why was I scared? Because I put my heart and soul into my book. I gave that manuscript pieces of myself I still hadn’t come to terms with. I faced scrutiny, rejection, and brutal honesty from my editor. That’s a heck of a demon to face. When I balked, my editor reassured me that my reaction was both common and expected. You guessed it. It’s another step in the writing process. A good editor will work with you productively. They understand the process. Instead of a debilitating slog through your suckage, it should be a productive path to an even better product.
You need to send your manuscript and put it out of your mind. Enjoy life while your editor digs deep and makes their list of issues, corrections, and other necessary steps. You’ve earned time and grace. Take it now, because the next step is: The Editing Shuffle.
Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
With a quick wit, often edgy mouth, and loud laugh, Melissa exuberantly embraces life. Melissa Velasco is a true explorer of the arts. With a well-rounded background as a choreographer, professor, dance teacher, stage manager, and author, she thrives in creation. At her core, she believes that the arts save lives and provide a route for passion and connection. With five books currently published from her Hollywood High Chronicles metaphysical thriller book series, Melissa Velasco is an accomplished Indie writer.
Image photography credit:
Tino Duvick of Broken Chain Photography
Character chess piece models: Maddie Dawn Cordero, Winslow Trullinger, Chance McCord, Zane Barber, Isaiah Romero-Cordova
