The Manuscript Handover

There it is in my hands, the only physical copy of my book. After giving birth to it, nurturing it, changing it, and searching for its heart, it's finally leaving to begin it's journey toward publishing. This is Robin, our daughter, encouraging me to hand it over for her to edit. It was wrenching to let it go. Sure, I'd scrutinized every detail but the time had come and I knew it! Still the range of emotions I felt were a surprise.

Writers are like that they tell me. The manuscript handover was a momentous occasion and a cause for celebration but I ended up sleeping that afternoon for three hours, completely spent. Robin is a published poet and has edited many manuscripts and I know she's a good editor. She's kind and communicates what needs changing in a way that's productive not painful. I knew all this, but I felt terrified, elated and proud all at the same time. READ MORE