reply

Hi, Jade,

I can see you’re finding out that you’re your own biggest critic. There is no such thing as a perfect manuscript. You do the best you can. When you’re re-reading it, you know full well when you come upon something that could be said differently, even better. But you’re the decider. You’re in charge. There is no right way. There is only YOUR way.

Is there someone you trust, someone whose opinion matters to you? A teacher? An older friend? A favorite aunt? Anyone who will be honest, even if he or she hates the ms, or thinks it needs more work?

Jade, I don’t do this. Or, at least, hardly ever. But would it help if I looked over the first few pages? Or would it hurt?     —G—