Book Manuscript Milestone Copy Editing Stage

In the Manuscripts program, we spend 16 weeks writing the initial manuscript, 16 weeks in revisions, and then we go into copy editing.

In the initial 16 weeks of creation, we are in a divergent thinking cycle: the initial manuscript rarely is what you think it will become. Ideas change as you continue to hone in on stories you wish to tell, and flexibility and openness can help this part of the process feel expansive rather than restrictive.

When we move into revisions over the course of 16 weeks, we start narrowing down our focus and go into convergent thinking: we receive feedback from beta readers and implement changes. Those modifications need to be within the scope of the work and the tone you want to give it. Changes are still possible, but not all possibilities can be explored in this stage.

Then we go into copy editing. The reason this is such an important milestone is that at this stage no additions or removals can take place. We are polishing and fixing, but the structure, stories and content is done!

The process of writing and publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride. Copy editing feels like one of those thrilling moments on the ride after you climb and climb, and then you start getting those butterflies in your stomach as you fall.

It is hard for me to grasp the magnitude of what it means for me to be able to make this huge dream come true. When you get so close to the finish line it starts becoming so tangible. A book with my name on it will exist in the world! What???

As I continue on the ride onto proofreading next, I sit here in profound gratitude for making an investment that pushed me to grow beyond my wildest dreams.