An Update On my Work-in-progress

I sought the advice of a professional developmental editor to see how I could improve my second draft. Many people in the publishing industry say it takes 4-5 drafts before a manuscript is typically "ready."  

I received a 14-page letter outlining the strengths and weaknesses of my manuscript from my developmental editor.  On the upside, she said Finding Izzy had a "strong commercial YA voice." On the downside, she said my novel is too long at 85,000 words. The solution? She thinks I have two books, and so I will be focusing on the Los Angeles part of the story for book #1. The second book will begin when Izzy returns to Kentucky. 

"Comps" are comparison titles; published books that would compare to my own.  So, before I get back to revisions, I am taking some time to read Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn,  All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.  Somewhere along the way my editor also recommended Looking for Alaska by John Green and Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

If you have not read this amazing book, go out, and buy it right now. It is truly remarkable in its beautiful voice and poignant slice-of-life observations. I loved the philosophical side of this story.

Clearly, there are so many elements that go into writing a book. You need feedback, you must be well versed in the "art of writing," and you need to devote a great deal of time to improving the story. Occasionally, it is a humbling and lonely experience.  But not for long, when I remember what I've created-- a whole new world! When I feel like giving up, I can hear my mom's voice saying,  "Alisa, when the going gets tough, the tough get going." Just like Izzy!!!