Ten Tips for Going the Extra Mile with a Writing Project

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

What does it mean to go the extra mile? How far is a mile in relation to a published manuscript?

The Bible says in Matthew 5:41, “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” The phrase “going the second mile” has found its way into our modern vernacular and isn’t always used in the context of this verse. However, I think “going the extra mile” lends itself to the perfect visual for a successful writing journey. 

The publishing journey from idea to publication is not an easy one. It’s a long and convoluted path most of the time, and upon occasions, it can be a quick journey. Going the extra mile when you’ve received an acceptance for an article or book and giving more than one hundred percent to that opportunity can help you land other opportunities with that publishing house or magazine.

As a personal example, my husband David and I had the blessed opportunity to work with a new editor last fall to produce four educational titles for children. 

Surprisingly, our contract didn’t require any rewrites or editing responsibilities. But after finding a minor error with a photograph and caption, we asked to proof all four books. (Mind you – we’d already received final payment …. And if you know anything about writing educational books, you’ll know that paycheck was quite small. However, the rewards to us of publishing nonfiction material for kids that finds its way from a school library into the hands of a child doesn’t have a price tag.) 

My husband and I poured over the manuscripts and actually found several mistakes that needed correction. The editor was very gracious and grateful and thanked us profusely.

Just a couple of months later, the editor reached out and asked for suggestions of educational books we might enjoy writing in a book series. He made no guarantees, but said he’d pitch our ideas to some of his publishing house clients. Fast forward a few more weeks, and his email to us said, “Are you ready to write some books?” An educational company liked three of our ideas and wanted to turn them into six-book series. If you’re still with me and doing the math, that’s eighteen books. Eighteen books resulted from our attention to detail and going the extra mile! 

Going the extra mile may not always result in an 18-book contract, but it can certainly earn you another opportunity with that house or editor. 

Here are ten tips I’ve learned over the years about going the extra mile on writing project: 

1. Check the spelling of the editor’s name before sending. 

2. Scrutinize your work with a fine-tooth comb and make sure no grammatical errors or punctuation typos occur.

3. Check format carefully to make sure you follow the publishing houses guidelines to include such points as one space or two after a period, flush left for paragraphs or indent, single space paragraphs and double space between paragraphs or double space throughout. Make sure to use the right font and size.

4. Turn the manuscript in on time or early.

5. Be teachable, kind, and respectful when an editor makes suggestions for revisions or rewriting. There’s a reason you are the writer and he or she is the editor.

6. Be willing to do as many revisions as requested, within reason according to what your contract states, so that you can help make this published piece the best it can possibly be.

7. If the editor asks for reasonable extras that you may not feel are included in your contract, be willing to bend and go the extra mile to make this a product you’ll be proud of. 

8. For nonfiction especially, fact check everything you’ve sent even after the editing process. Editors are amazing and know what they are doing. However, they’re still human and occasionally miss something.

9. Pray for your editor before, during, and after the process. Pray for the publishing house and every reader God leads to your published work. 

10. Thank your editor, publicity contact, marketing person, and any others who help bring this manuscript to life. Share your enthusiasm and gratefulness for the opportunity to be part of their publication or house. And don’t forget to share on social media in a non-boastful way about your piece when it comes out. Mention your article or book and be willing to praise the publishing house or magazine in your post as well.

Going the extra mile when turning in a writing project will endear you to that editor and publishing house and can certainly lead to future work projects. How do you go the extra mile in your writing journey? Join the conversation and share your tips. 

TWEETABLE

10 Tips for Going the Extra Mile with a Writing Project @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Julie Lavender’s first picture book comes out next month with End Game Press. A Gingerbread House makes its debut in October. Julie is the author of books for adults and kids, and she and her husband are busy completing eighteen books for the educational market that will launch next year.