The clock is ticking. But then, isn’t it always?
This summer marks two years since I completed my first draft, and 6 months since I finished the second. As of the end of this week I should be done with the out-loud read through of that second draft and starting rewrites for the third, technology permitting*. I want the third as perfect as possible to pitch to agents at the next HNS conference, which takes place almost exactly a year from now.
If you’re doing the math, you can see why I’m getting nervous.
And I know, I know, art takes the time it takes, take your time on your first novel because you’ll never have that luxury again, everyone works at their own pace etc. but I’m struggling to see how I can make even a part-time career for myself when I can only produce one book every six years!**
A few weeks ago I talked to a pair of writers who managed to research and write a pitch-able historical fiction novel in only two years and their turn-around time staggers me. Mind, one of them writes full-time. True, they’re experienced writers. And it’s foolish to compare oneself to others. But even so…
I don’t know how long the editing process takes on third drafts. I mean, most of it’s there so it’s not about word count anymore. I’ve even cut most of what needed cutting. I’m looking at serious rethinking of either my schedule or my goals.
Informal questions for the writers reading: how long does it take you to write something you’d feel confident submitting to an agent (or publishing, if you’re indie)? And how long have you been writing?
*Laptop problems suggest I might have problems running Word and/or Scrivener, and no replacement laptop is forthcoming at the moment
**That’s not including whatever further edits an agent might request.
