Aug 19, 2024
Have you ever regretted ‘hitting publish’ on a work realizing you could have done more or tweak something to make it an absolute banger?
It was never an issue in the Dark Ages when I wrote poetry. Back then, publishing meant sending typewritten copies on higher-quality paper by snail mail to magazines or other paper publications. If I was lucky, they’d send the copies back along with the all-too-often rejection slip in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope. The advent of home computers and printers made life so much easier.
I’m always excited to get new work out to my readers.
Now, getting it out ‘too soon’ is another question. With my books, they get seen by so many eyes that I’m confident in releasing them. Sure, there are always tweaks that can be made, but once a book has made it all the way through the process, I like to leave it alone. It’s like setting a butterfly free. You wish it love as it flutters away.
I made small changes to The Marquesa’s Necklace after publishing it. A reviewer mentioned a word that was overused. They were right, and the changes were easy. It didn’t change the story at all. That’s the only time I’ve changed the contents of a book after release. (Covers don’t count.)
My blog is different. I normally write it a day before releasing it. I hit the publish button for this hop just before going to bed on Sunday evenings. Then, as I drift off to sleep, I’m thinking of all the minor changes I should have made or things I could have said. If I remember them in the morning, I can easily add them. (If I remember!)
Social Media posts are different playing field.
I often regret my infrequent comments on social media. Not because of the content, but due to the frequent typos I make, that I don’t spot until after I’ve pushed the arrow. Thank heavens for the ability to edit them. But it bothers me knowing other people have seen the errors.
I work hard to keep my actual posts on social media typo-free. I wait longer and triple-check my work before I publish them. If all else fails, I’m able to delete them and start over.
How about the other authors on this hop? Do they ever regret pushing the publish button? Find out by checking out the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
Aug 19, 2024
Have you ever regretted ‘hitting publish’ on a work realizing you could have done more or tweak something to make it an absolute banger?
Yes, my stories get seen by many eyes too. It’s the best way to discover errors and plot holes etc.
Lately, I’ve been making typos when I make edits! Thank heavens for other other people checking my work.
Yes, it’s good to have some ARC readers.
Too often. Usually, afraid there won’t be enough time later.
Correct, far too often.
This morning, I should have been working on a ghost story. Instead , a somewhat desperate hunt for a plumber. Also mentally drafting a real letter to a friend, after their diagnosis. .
I was never good at writing letters, even back in the day when they were the primary form of communication. I once took 2 weeks to write one to a friend.
Typos can lurk in plain sight, undiscovered for years. I have some great advance readers, yet they still slip through.
I’ve found them in books from traditional publishers.
Do you keep a list of words you overuse? I’ve done that! It’s pretty helpful. I remember when word could show you specific word counts. That was so helpful!