Friday Feast: Steps in Traditional Publishing, Writing Programs That Fit the Form, Book Recommendations Based on Your Favorite Stranger Things Character, Why There Are So Many Books with Girl in the Title, and How to Make Every Word Count

Five years ago, I wrote a Tumblr post about how sometimes I hate my Work in Progress.

Today, I turn in final edits to my editor for that same Work in Progress. After x amount of years (I’ve lost count) writing and revising, it’s a little surreal to know that I can no longer make any (big) changes to the book. I’m happy to turn my attention to revisions on my second novel (soon, after copy edits), but I’m a little sad to move this first novel into the Complete column.

For those of you out there currently hating your work in progress, have faith that the feeling will pass if you continue to work through the ughs. It’s part of the process of getting published. The only way to it is through it.

Speaking of the process, in our first link this week, Crystal King shares the next steps to expect on the traditional publishing journey.

  • A year after getting an email from an interested editor for her forthcoming debut novel Feast of Sorrow, Crystal King outlines what happens after the contract is signed, including edits. blurbs, and the teeth-gnashing process of receiving your cover. Signing the Deal – The Steps in Traditional Publishing. Be sure to follow along on GrubWrites blog as she outlines her publishing process start to finish!
  • So happy to see the Novel Incubator program get some love — along with other novel-length programs — in the latest issue of Poets & Writers,Writing Programs that Fit the Form. “MFA programs, while longer in duration, are often similarly structured, with classes typically equipped to focus on shorter works such as stories and novel chapters, rather than complete manuscripts… In the last six years, however, four creative writing centers have begun to fill this gap by launching intensive programs dedicated to generating and revising novel manuscripts — as well as memoirs and other book-length projects — for publication.” Here’s to the long slog of novels!
  • I’m still jonesing for more Stranger Things. While I wait, I can re-read Station Eleven, as suggested by this list of What Book You Should Read Based On Your Favorite Stranger Things Character.
  • Speaking of, Station Eleven‘s author Emily St. John Mandel explores why there are so many books with girl in the title: The Gone Girl With The Dragon Tattoo On The Train.
  • Tom Huang of The Poynter Institute offers his tips on how to make every word count when writing about people, places & things.

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