The Transformation of a Manuscript (and Me)
We are in the final editing round for my next Children’s book and it blows me away to watch how a rough draft will go through so much transformation. Before submitting my manuscript, I thought it was “done.” Then, as I reread it (after not looking at it for a while), I had some new ideas and it got a substantial edit before I even sent it in for the first professional editing rounds! About 30 new lines were added and some were cut loose which allowed the storyline to flow better.
Editing is so critical. Obviously. But it is so amazing to me to watch a work transform and grow into what it is truly capable of, just by sharing it with some new eyes. The neat thing about self publishing, is at the end of the process, the edits that my editor sends are my call. I get to choose which to keep. Now I know she’s a professional editor, so I do take her suggestions fairly seriously. But there are still times when I liked my word choice or the flow it had before. Other times, her suggestion leads to a new wording idea. It is really fun to experience. (Just let me adjust my nerd glasses here for a second 🤓).
One thing I do before editing, is read the story out loud to my daughter. Hearing it being read aloud helps me find the lines that don’t flow quite right yet, the parts that need some work, which parts feel perfected, and it allows me to get her feedback on which areas she really likes or what words she doesn’t understand.
It is actually a really neat experience. It made me reflect on our transformation as human beings. I wonder if we realize that simply sharing an idea or dream that we might normally keep top secret can actually create internal transformation. Of course share with someone you trust and are comfortable with as we can often feel vulnerable in sharing those things, but seriously, it will change you! (And you get to choose which feedback you keep/believe). Sharing our deepest dreams and truths, being vulnerable, and expressing our pure desire is often outside the comfort zone. This is why we can create magical change within ourselves just by hearing our own dreams out loud. 💡
In reflecting on the transformation I witnessed in my manuscript, I felt extremely grateful for this mirroring. For if I witnessed transformation in my manuscript, where did the transformation begin first? Thank you manuscript for showing me my own growth. It blows me away how healing, eye-opening, and transforming writing has become for me. What kinds of things do you enjoy that bring you new insights, awareness, and personal growth?
Have you shared your ideas, your desires, your dreams, or your creative works with anyone lately? Give it a try and your next transformation will begin.💡🦋🦄
About the Author:
Kristin Pierce loves chai lattes, inspirational quotes, hunting down incredible kids books, and writing in rhyme. She is a Children's Book Author, Self-Awareness Educator, and Momma of two who is on a mission to spread empowering and inspiring messages about following your passion, thinking outside-the-box, and believing in your big dreams. She is the author of Your Inner Compass That Could.
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