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Nabeel · 09-26-2017, 03:02 PM

Hallo Everyone,

Second question. Okay, I've written my 72,047 words. I've left them alone for a month. I've got opinions from four friends and acquaintances, and I've asked a fifth.

I wrote on a computer, and I'm re-reading on my e-reader: this feels 'different', and it does enable me to read the work with fresh eyes.

I'm finding things to work on: I'm not happy with the appearance of one character, and will give him a makeover. I've realised that I have a tendency to over-write, and so I'm snipping phrases here and there. I've noticed some inconsistent use of tenses, and I'm watching out for those. I think I can add some contextual details for the main character's development.

Overall, I'm fairly satisfied. I'm not the new Joyce, alas, but the 72,000 words have a pleasant, page-turning quality. My four readers say the same (but they would, wouldn't they?).

But:

How do I decide that I've done enough, and it's time to approach an agent? Is there some vital sign where you know that enough is enough? Otherwise, I could continue revising forever.

Again, all advice would be welcome.

N.

09-26-2017, 03:02 PM	#1
Nabeel Zealot Posts: 147 Karma: 2747136 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Britain Device: Kobo Aura One	New Novel: finishing as a dilemma Hallo Everyone, Second question. Okay, I've written my 72,047 words. I've left them alone for a month. I've got opinions from four friends and acquaintances, and I've asked a fifth. I wrote on a computer, and I'm re-reading on my e-reader: this feels 'different', and it does enable me to read the work with fresh eyes. I'm finding things to work on: I'm not happy with the appearance of one character, and will give him a makeover. I've realised that I have a tendency to over-write, and so I'm snipping phrases here and there. I've noticed some inconsistent use of tenses, and I'm watching out for those. I think I can add some contextual details for the main character's development. Overall, I'm fairly satisfied. I'm not the new Joyce, alas, but the 72,000 words have a pleasant, page-turning quality. My four readers say the same (but they would, wouldn't they?). But: How do I decide that I've done enough, and it's time to approach an agent? Is there some vital sign where you know that enough is enough? Otherwise, I could continue revising forever. Again, all advice would be welcome. N.