Schooled
Today’s lesson: If you’re willing to dish it out, then you’d better be prepared to take it, eat it, and cheerfully ask for seconds, thirds, and fourths.
I just got my copy edits for GROUNDED. They’re excellent, and they’re not even super intense – this manuscript has been combed and picked so many times that many of the snarls and nits are gone. But not all of them. Which means that now, brand-new people – professional publishing people – have seen me make lots of little mistakes.
As I read through the copy-edited manuscript, flinching as every error and misjudgment is caught and highlighted by those whose experience and skill outrank my own, I can’t help thinking about the things I looooove to say to my middle-school students. Things like:
“Getting critical feedback doesn’t mean you’re not smart.”
“The reason I corrected so many little things is that I care about you and I want you to do well.”
“Writing isn’t about getting it right the first time.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. You’re learning.”
Yeah.
And so! This round of edits is for you, kids. Here’s a big scoop of sweet, delicious justice for you to enjoy on your summer holiday. See you in September.
