As writers, we spend months stuck in our literary worlds- living, breathing, and dreaming our characters’ adventures. 

You’ve probably heard more than a few people refer to their manuscripts as their babies. And you might relate to the fear of letting others read or critique those same darlings. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this work and you want it to be perfect! 

But, we all know that perfection in writing is unattainable. So, if we can’t strive for perfection in our work, then how do we know when it’s time to stop revising and share our story with the world?

You could write and revise forever but there is a time when writing and revising serves little purpose. 

Today, I will share with you the signs that your story is complete. If you recognize these signs in your work, it may just be time to share your story with others!

Unless the plot point continues in a sequel, you’ve reasonably and believably resolved the characters’ conflicts. The readers will feel that all of their questions have been answered. If there aren’t any loose ends waiting to be wrapped up, then this just may be a sign that your story is complete.

At the beginning of your novel, your main character(s) are struggling with their misbeliefs, their fears, and their personal blocks (what’s holding them back from achieving their goals).

If you can track the transformation of your character throughout the story, then you’re on your way to completion.

Readers stay engaged because of the characters, not just the plot. They connect with the characters and want to follow along in their journey.

Ask yourself: Do you believe that your readers will be satisfied with your main character’s personal evolution?

What do you hope your readers will take away from your narrative? Did you infuse this theme authentically throughout the manuscript– not too on the nose, but sprinkled throughout?

Double-check if your characters have come to the realization of this lesson by the end.

As I said earlier, you could revise and rewrite forever but at some point, you need to stop. At some point in the revision process, you will recognize that there is a lack of major rewrites, cuts, and additions. You will notice that while rereading your work, your questions and notes have become sparse.

If you find yourself just moving words and plot points around, it’s likely that your story is complete! There will always be more than one way to express your story– there isn’t one perfect formula. It’s time to feel pride and satisfaction with where it’s at.

After a couple of rounds of preliminary revisions, you should have a trusted first reader in mind who you will share your manuscript with. For me, it’s a close friend.

That first reader must be someone you trust to give you honest, critical feedback– someone who wants to help you improve upon your work. Once you’ve made your way through the series of editors (which can include a variety of line edits, ARC Readers, Beta readers etc. ) and you’ve applied their valuable feedback- you’re done!

You’ve considered your readers and done all that you can to turn your draft into the amazing narrative you’ve been striving for! Time to share it with your readers!

It’s hard for writers to move on from a novel. Sometimes, we see all of these physical signs and yet, we still worry that something is missing. Sometimes, that voice is true and it’s great for us to listen to it. Other times… we need to push it aside and trust in the creative process.

For most writers, it’s not only these physical clues that will lead us to determine when it’s time to move on from a novel. Physical and Intuitive signs can work in tandem.

As writers and readers we can tell when a character sticks to a page. They have colour. They practically live and breathe.

But, sometimes our characters aren’t quite ready yet. They’re missing some of that authenticity. When this happens, it can feel like they are slipping through your fingers or trying to communicate with you through thick, murky water.

If you can’t see and hear them clearly, then there’s still work to be done.

You love your book and you just can’t wait to share it with others. You know what your readers want and that there are people out there who would enjoy this amazing world that you’ve created.

Even though you’re still nervous to put your book baby out into the world, it’s the bubbly kinda nervous that means you’re ready to take the leap!

You’ve worked so hard- checked all the boxes and gained feedback during the revision stage. When you step away from the novel and consider it as a whole you feel proud of how far it has come. It is exactly what you intended to write.

Warning! This doesn’t always happen and that’s okay.

You’ve read your narrative over so many times. It makes sense that you won’t always react in the same way you intend the audience to.

Still, sometimes we just write a story that gives us chills. My latest novel has me tearing up during the final chapter every single time I read it and at this point, that’s at least 10 times.

So, if you don’t get this reaction that doesn’t necessarily mean your novel isn’t complete. If you do get this….maybe you’re ready to celebrate your achievement!

You’ve done all the revising that you can and you no longer feel the need to rewrite or tweak it.

Sure, you know that if you read it through, you’d find something to improve upon (this never goes away). But, at this point, you’re satisfied with your revisions.

You know that you’ve got a strong narrative that will hold up against your readers’ critiques.

As much as you love your story, at some point, your mind will begin to slip into the imaginative state of a writer eager to begin building a new world. If you’re feeling the urge to choose your next writing project, maybe your adventures in this narrative have come to an end.

The reality is… you could believe that your narrative will never be ready to meet the world. You could continue revising forever. 

At some point, we need to step back, consider where our narrative falls among the signs above and in the end, trust our gut. 

Is it a fear of letting your story greet the world that is fooling you into thinking it isn’t done?

Or, do you truly need more time to refine the narrative?

Imagine how many amazing novels haven’t been published because the author was held back by this fear! 

Take the leap once you’ve done the heavy lifting. Let yourself move forward so that you have the opportunity to share the many amazing stories you’ve dreamed up. 

Remember, perfection is an illusion. Trust your writerly intuition.

How do you know when you’re story is complete?

What’s the final step you like to take before completing the revision stage? Share in the comments below!

Talk soon!

Julia