Sleep well, my characters...

I have put my book down for a week to rest. I have done all I can and need to come back with a fresh set of eyes. As I sit down at my computer, I'm at a complete loss for what I'm supposed to be doing. Even though there is a book for me to read sitting right next to me, I find it hard not to be staring at the monitor and running my fingers feverishly over the keys.

I'm looking forward to reading my book one last time before I hand it out to be read. I hope it's as captivating when I return to it as it was when I put it away.

Edits, edits, and more edits

Going through it again, trying to find places to make it shorter. I'm about 1/4 the way through and have cut out about 8000 words. Not bad, but not on pace to cut out the 100k words needed. After this go through, I'm going to take a small break from it and read a different book before I go back through it again. Maybe fresh eyes will help pull it all together. I'd really like to have it out to my readers by the end of the month. *crossing fingers*

Now I've done it...

Well, I've decided to do some editing before I have anyone read it. Trying to go through and make the chapter lengths more uniform and edit out some of the unnecessary dialogue. I'm so glad I saved my original draft; I'm sure this story is going to be vastly different than my original vision when I'm done.

What now?

Ok, so the last words were written and I've read it all the way through, now what do I do? I'm terrified to let someone read it, for fear that they will think it's awful, but I know I have to do it. Should I go for a copyright? Do I take out the stuff I think needs to be edited out or just let my readers tell me what they think should go?

And now I've started reading everything anyone has ever said about how to get an agent/publisher and my brain in hurting. Does anyone know a reputable publishing company that will just pay me now for this book? Ok, probably not, but I have a feeling this is going to be the hard part.

I think I'll go take some Tylenol and make lunch.