Self-Publishing Diary: A Completed Manuscript and Editor's Evaluation

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about everything that was distracting me from writing a book. I remember feeling frustrated, like I wasn’t far enough into my writing journey. Flash forward to July 2020 and the first draft of my saucy, stylish, and sexy chick lit book was completed. Now it was time to find representation. Self-publishing my book wasn’t yet (cue your Britney voice) on my radar.

I sent my manuscript to over 60 (!!!) agents and publishing houses. In my wildest dreams, I would have received offer after offer from people who were dying to sign me and make my book a reality. Agents would have been fighting over me as viciously as the jungle scene in Mean Girls. However, that was far from the reality of what happened.

Ultimately, I was rejected from not one, not two, but all of them. Even though I’m aware that agents must receive hundreds of queries from wannabe authors every week—hell, maybe even every day—I was as brokenhearted as Brandy sang about in 1994. Here I was with what I thought was a witty, relatable manuscript and it was being turned down left, right, and centre.

It left me wondering: Is there even a place for chick lit novels on the market these days?

The number one thing I kept hearing was, “Publishing is subjective. Keep writing! Keep trying! Just because I don’t feel strongly about your book, it doesn’t mean another agent won’t love it.” I was also told that my main character was way too sassy—but that’s another story.

Self-Publishing Diary: A Completed Manuscript

The idea of self-publishing my book began to creep into the back of my mind but I was resistant. It didn’t fit with the “dream” I had been stuck on. However, dreams change. (Remember: If the plan doesn’t work out, change it. But never change the goal—if it’s what you really want.)

Eventually, I decided to take things into my own hands. I spent hours researching different ways I could get my book published on my own. Ultimately, I knew that I wanted to have another set of eyes on my material and someone to help me navigate the publishing process. After all, this is the first time I’ve ever done this.

In the end, I settled on FriesenPress. Ironically, they’re located in Victoria, British Columbia where I was born and raised. It felt comforting to know I was dealing with people from my hometown.

Self-Publishing Diary: The Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation

The first step towards self-publishing my novel was to submit my manuscript for an evaluation and get a professional’s opinion of my work. I was ultra-nervous to hear their thoughts. Even if I thought my book was fierce and fabulous, what would they think? My worst fear was having them email me back and say something like, “No offence, but you should really just let this “hobby” of yours fade into oblivion.”

It took about three weeks to get my Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation back. My stomach was churning as I clicked to open the document… I felt like I might throw up my pineapple-spinach smoothie at any second. Much to my relief, it was really good news! My work was described as “hilarious” and “engaging” and I was told that I should be very proud of the book I’d written.

What a relief. My goal is to self-publish this first novel, market it to massive success, and possibly be signed to an agent for my second book. Then again, who knows. Perhaps I’ll love having full control over my work so much that I’ll do this for the next book too.

Then, it was onto step two: the Developmental Edit. More on that coming in the next post.

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