Is this normal?
The word “normal” has popped up for me in several contexts lately: “normal” in a statistical sense (think variation); “normal” to describe people (warning: tricky area); “normal” to describe something that is typical. A couple of client conversations also got me thinking about “normal” in the book-writing process.
Before you embark on any large project, it helps to have some expectations about what normal is. When you run a marathon, knowing it is normal to hit “the wall” at mile 20 doesn’t make it any easier, but it makes it less of a surprise and thus more manageable. You know if you power through, you will get past it.
Likewise, knowing what to expect on a book project can help you decide if you are up for the effort (sure you are!) and then make the commitment. Here are a few things I “normally” observe when working with clients on their manuscript and then publishing their book.
It is normal to be surprised at how much work remains.
Drafting a book manuscript is no mean feat. It takes time—possibly hundreds of hours—not to mention energy and thinking. What most clients don’t realize is how much work usually remains to elevate the manuscript they bring me into a high-quality, publication-ready manuscript.
When I work with clients in what I call “collaborative revision,” it is not an over-the-wall process where I take the manuscript and simply tidy it up. It is literally re-visioning the work to make sure it meets the author’s goals and the readers’ needs.
Common comments: “If I’d known how much work this was going to be, I’m not sure I’d have done it—but I’m glad I did” and “Working with you is like being in a writing seminar.”
Yup, writing means revising. And revising is work. This is normal.
It is normal to have a particular writing challenge.
I find that almost every project has its own flavor of challenge. Sometimes the writer has a specific quirk to fix repeatedly, say dangling modifiers or inconsistent verb tense issues. Sometimes there are loads of footnotes or lots of facts to check.
In The Fragrant Path: A Guide to the Japanese Art of Incense, a recently completed project, the author uses Japanese terms and names throughout, so we had language challenges. Because I don’t speak Japanese, it was more difficult for me to verify correctness, catch errors, and even simply get the spelling right on words that have letters with diacritical marks (for instance, on letters like ō and ū).
Other times editorial decisions cause consternation. One of my latest conundrums: deciding when to spell out numbers and when to use numerals. There are loads of “rules” about numbers (probably more than most non-editors realize), but the rules sometimes conflict. After tussling with a challenge for a while, sometimes we just have to pick an approach and use it consistently.
When you are the author working with a picky editor, it is normal to see your writing in a new light as you learn how editors look at a manuscript and notice your own writing patterns.
It is normal to hit a slump during your book project.
Considering that there is usually more work than expected and that revising and editing can entail a whole lot of what feels like criticism, it may come as no surprise that revision is a slog at times. About a third of the way through the revision process, we usually hit a slump. Everything feels like too much. Why are we doing this project—and will it ever end?
Authors are not alone in this—editors feel it too. It is normal.
When I was younger, I did a couple of weeklong bike rides, where each day we rode 50 to 100 miles. My pattern for measuring progress was first to count up to the halfway mark—20, 30, 40 miles already done!—seeing the miles pile up. Then I would count down from the halfway mark—40, 30, only 20 miles left!—which helped me gain motivation to finish. But late in that climb to the halfway point, I’d feel the slump.
I find the same slump with books. But I also find as I get past that halfway point—counting chapters or words instead of miles—I gain momentum again. You will too.
It is normal to be proud when you’re done.
A client recently taught me about the Fun Scale, often used by runners and mountaineers:
- Type I fun is enjoyable while you are doing it and enjoyable to reflect on: an easy hike with friends, having beverages afterward.
- Type II fun is not so enjoyable while you are doing it, but it is pleasurable to reflect on and it might entail learning and growth: finishing a marathon, summiting a peak.
- Type III fun is not fun in the doing or in the remembering, and does not much contribute to learning and growth: getting lost in the woods during a race—in a rainstorm.
Can you guess where writing and publishing a book falls? Definitely Type II fun. You’ll work hard and you might not especially enjoy it at times, but when you get through the slog and hold your printed book in your hand, it is normal to be pleased and proud of your product, your effort, and your learning.
One more thing that is normal…
Writing and publishing a book is a huge project. It is normal to feel a little post-publication letdown—a “now what?” feeling. (Marketing, that’s what.) You might even find yourself missing your editor. That too is normal. 😊 And she will miss you.
If I haven’t scared you off by the “normal” of book writing and publishing, and you want some help, get in touch at karin@clearsightbooks.com.