The last 5 – 10% of writing a book is often the most challenging part of the project. It’s the part you think will go the quickest after you’ve tackled the big topics and gotten everything on paper. But it’s the part that often takes the longest, whether you write it on your own or with a ghostwriter.
Yes, the big chunks of material are handled. But during this time, author and ghostwriter alike want to ensure that loose ends are tied up, everything is captured as intended, etc. Once the bigger picture items have been completed, more detailed facets of the manuscript come to life. These are just as important as the big picture items.
Often by this time, you’ve also given a date to hand-off the manuscript to the publisher, but it’s important not to rush this last portion of the book. Many times, depending on the circumstances of your planned launch, publishers will understand that this end process is fluid. After months and months of hard work, you don’t want to fumble the end by rushing through it.
Here are the most common things I see during wrap-up.
Beta Readers
Often, authors will ask other trusted individuals within their circle to review their manuscript to give specific points of feedback before it goes to the publisher. However, every reviewer is different. Some will provide just an overall assessment of what they thought, and others will provide detailed comments and suggestions.
Either way, it’s important to account for this feedback in the timeline and process because it oftentimes will greatly impact the work that needs to be done in the last phase of the manuscript.
As an author, it’s important ot recognize that everyone has different perspectives and to stay grounded in what feels good to you. Then we decide what changes to make and how ot approach it. No matter the magnitude of the changes, it’s important not to speed through this part.
Books are not just a set of sections and chapters. They are one cohesive document, with dependencies and references throughout that help it flow. Don’t underestimate this.
Infinite Edit Syndrome
“Infinite Edit Syndrome” is a term my ghostwriting mentor frequently uses. When an author gets the second draft back, there’s a temptation to start iterating the full manuscript again. Of course, some changes are to be expected at this stage. It’s the author’s first look at it since all their comments and suggestions have been incorporated.
What we want to avoid is falling into the trap of perfectionism. A book will never be “perfect”. There is no one right answer. You may want to rewrite a sentence next week that you already re-wrote today. A section may resonate today and not the next time you read it, but when you revisit it later, you like it again.
There will always be new ways to approach your book, and no approach is technically right or wrong. A book is a form of art. (Although as a ghostwriter, I may advise some approaches over others.)
While it’s important not to rush your book and to ensure that you love it, it’s most important that it gets out into the world. It doesn’t have the ability to make an impact sitting on your computer.
General Clean-Ups
The last 5-10% of a book is the stage where all the long-standing open items are often still outstanding. These are often the points that the author and/or ghostwriter wanted to consider once everything came together. Sometimes, they are areas where the author needed to consult other members of their team or circle. Well… now everything is together, and it’s time to address these
If certain items have been open for a while at this point in the process, they will take some time to button up. These were clearly items that required additional thought or had dependencies on other places in the book. Don’t overlook the significance of these. Even small changes at the end of the book-writing process can make a big difference.
If your goal is currently to make it to the first 5% of your book-writing process, and you’d like a partner to help bring your manuscript to life, request a book consult using the button below.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.