As with life, some people think everything has to be perfect before they start their writing journey or continue on one.
It may be they don’t think they’ve mastered the craft of writing to perfection.
Or, maybe the writer has started her story, but can’t seem to achieve the perfection she’s looking for. She believes what she’s written isn’t worthy of submissions. So, she keeps pecking away at it, hoping one day it will be perfect.
Well, if you fall under either of these scenarios, you’ll be waiting a very long time. In fact, your time of action may never come.
Meriam-Webster defines perfection as “the state or condition of being perfect” and “something that cannot be improved.”
So, perfection is something that you can’t possibly make better.
Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?
What on earth can’t be improved upon? What is actually perfect?
Keeping this in mind, here’s what a few famous authors/artists have to say about the illusive perfection:
“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.”
~ Salvador Dalí
“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”
~ Margaret Atwood
“If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.”
~ Leo Tolstoy
“The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.”
~ Eugene Delacroix
“Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.”
~ Kim Collins
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” ~ Vince Lombardi
“Striving to be the best person we can be and striving to do the very best we can in all our endeavors is the closest to perfection we can ever get.”
~ Karen Cioffi
“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.”
~ Michael J. Fox
My favorite is what Michael J. Fox says: “Perfection is God’s business!”
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!
So, if you have these perfection tendencies, try to overcome them. Don’t let an unrealistic viewpoint stop you from achieving writing success.
But, what if you just don’t’ trust your own judgement or can’t overcome that perfection tendency?
One of the best ways to get some guidance on whether your story is at the point of submissions is to become a part of a critique group in your genre.
Having other writers go over your story can pick up lots of trouble spots and help you improve your manuscript. And, they’ll have a much more objective view of the story.
After you get all you can from a critique group, you might want to hire a professional editor.
While every author can continue revising a story, there comes a time when you have to let go.
If your critique group and editor believes it good to do. Take their advice.
Don’t let the illusion of attaining perfection in your writing stop you from submitting your manuscript or achieving a writing career.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
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