Crossing the Finish Line: Knowing When Your Novel is Complete
Writing a novel is a journey full of unexpected twists, intense emotion, and the perpetual quest for perfection. However, one of the most elusive aspects of the writing process is understanding when to put down the pen or close the laptop and declare the manuscript finished.
As a writer, you may often find yourself tangled up in the pursuit of perfectionism, pondering over the infinite possibilities for your story. But there comes a time when you must step back and share your creation with the world. Here are some tips on how to recognise that moment:
How to know when your novel is finished
- The story arc is complete: Your characters have been through their arcs; the conflicts raised have been addressed, and your story has come to a resolution that aligns with the themes you set out to explore.
- Feedback is no longer as useful: You’ve gotten feedback from beta readers or editors, and you’ve addressed the critical concerns. If the feedback starts to become subjective or less consistent, it might be a sign you’re done.
- Diminishing returns on edits: If your recent rounds of edits are barely producing any changes, or if the changes are not significantly enhancing the story, it’s likely a signal that your novel is complete.
How to know when to stop writing or editing
- Trust your gut: Deep down, you often know when you’re making changes for the better or just making changes. Trust that instinct.
- Get feedback from readers: Solicit the opinions of readers who represent your target audience. If they’re captivated by your story and satisfied with the conclusion, it’s a good sign that you don’t need any more rewrites.
- Professional feedback: If you send your manuscript to a publishing professional, like an editor, they’ll give you a good barometer of whether your manuscript is ready or needs more work.
- Be objective: Take a step back from your manuscript and read it like a reader, not a writer. If you find yourself changing things back to how they were in previous drafts, you might have reached the point of over-editing.
How to move beyond perfectionism
- Embrace imperfection: Accept that no novel is without flaws, and that’s what makes them unique and human. I’m sure you could pick out flaws in any of your favourite books, but you love them regardless. Give yourself the same grace.
- Shift your mindset: Instead of focusing on the perfect manuscript, focus on your readers. If it’s a story you want to tell, readers will want to read it. They deserve to read your words!
- Set it free: Sometimes, the only way to move on is to release your work into the wild. Just take a step into the unknown and take a chance. You’ll never feel ready, so sometimes it just comes down to a leap of faith.
