
Today, agent Rachelle Gardner's blog deals with the importance of an author's letting some time pass when editing a submission. Almost always, this results in an improved product, whether a query, a proposal, or a full manuscript. Without the perspective of elapsed time, there's a too-real possibility that we'll send something before it's ready. Gallo Wine used to have a slogan: We will sell no wine before its time. Writers would do well to observe a slightly edited rule: We will send no line before its time.
I must confess that I've been guilty on several occasions of sending something off in a rush, anxious for an agent or editor to praise it and rush it on its way toward publication. But time and experience have shown me that this isn't the best course. I've learned--the hard way, of course--that Rachelle's right. Give it some time. No need to put our manuscript on the Concorde. Coach class will do just fine.
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