It's true. We could go over it time and
again and still find things to improve. Yet, once the book is published, the
reader will be exposed to any shortfalls. Before my novel Still Rock Water is
published at the end of this month, I asked my contact at Solstice Publishing
if I had time to go over it one more time. He hadn't yet handed it over to an
editor, so he told me to go ahead. He said, "A book is never finished,
only abandoned."
I interpret this as the author deserts/gives up on each book
for sale. And yet, there must be a time to let go and release the story to the
public. A writer could continue editing until they are old and grey and still
not be satisfied.
I'm glad I have the opportunity to correct any glitches I
find as I read out loud. The time-constraint is daunting. What if I don't reach
the end before the publisher requests the work? What if I miss some major
boo-boo? Will the editor find what I've missed? Depends on the quality of the
person assigned.
