The Write Place

"I don't understand," my agent said, handing me yet another rejection. "I always get either 'We love it, we want it' or 'Sorry, it's not for us.' I never get 'We love it, but we don't want it.' But that's what I'm getting with you." 

"There's something wrong with it," I said. "But I don't know what it is."

He shook his head at the page. "Neither do I." 

So where did we go from there? The book had gotten praise from every publisher we sent it to. It had gotten yeses from two agents--the only two I'd submitted it to. (The first had passed away.) 

But while publishers said they loved the characters and the writing, those things were outweighed by some serious flaws. I still feel a little embarrassed when I think about how long it took me to figure out what they were.

 After many missteps, much learning, many revisions, and another agent (the second retired), the novel was picked up by a small traditional U.S. press, acquired for publication in Germany, and finally shortlisted for a Shamus Award. One of the proudest days of my life.

Over the years, I often thought that, if I could find an early draft of that book, other writers might find it helpful to see the revision process from a warts-and-all manuscript to a publishable book and a contender for a national award. I found that file a few months ago, and wow, is it cringe-worthy. But then, that's what this course is all about.

It's not about ROIs or formulas. It's about concepts and strategies you can use and adapt book after book. 

It's about learning how to revise and polish like a professional—what questions to ask, how to weigh trade-offs, and how to make decisions that are right for your book. The ones that will make your work as strong, impactful, and polished as it can be, whether or not you decide to pursue publication.