Where’s that first manuscript you handwrote or tediously typed and used whiteout to cover typos? Still in the original box that held a full ream of paper? Mine is. But not for long.
Now that you’re doing well, you’ve been published and you’ve got ideas for upcoming projects, how about digging that first manuscript out of the closet—you know, the one of the highest shelf?—and see if you can polish it up for publication. Handwritten? Typed? Are you going to take the time to transcribe it into a digital format? Have a friend who loves to type—fast? How ‘bout contracting out if you can afford it? It will save you time. Got a month of your own time before you start that next paid, planned project? Then keyboard it yourself and put it away for a rainy day. You never know just exactly who will be interested in the first manuscript.
Just think of all the writers whose first “written” effort was not the first book published. Some of our best known author’s first books were rejected and it was only after their second or even third book was accepted for publication that editors went back and showed interest in publishing books one and two. Who knows? You’re writing poetry now, it’s been widely publicized, you made it when it was published and have even gone on the circuit promoting your book and ever since then you’ve wanted to “branch out” into other genre and all along you’ve had that novel stuck away gathering dust in your closet.
My novel made the rounds of thirty-six publishing houses and the last one sent me a nice note saying that if I fleshed out the characters a little more they would be happy to look at the manuscript again. Unfortunately, my work stood in the way and I never re-submitted my idea to them. I often wonder where I might be now had I followed through with that endeavor. As many say, “Hind sight is twenty-twenty.”
I face the same dilemma that many of you do: retyping my manuscript into the computer—that is only 500 pages double-spaced! The other problem that is the same as yours: time. It’s not on my side unless I make it so. I know exactly where my manuscript is and you would think that since I’m retired I would have lots of time to sit down and start typing. Not true. I still have to dedicate myself to the project before anything will happen.
So, give it a try. I’m going to surprise myself. You may just do the same thing. Smile while you do it. Just think of all the “side” memories you will have when you open that box and recall sounds and smells that took place when you first started typing your great idea years ago!
George Thompson is a poet, book critic for www.PopSyndicate.com and regular contributor to Wicked Wordsmith.
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