Five Tips For Perfectionist Authors

Do you ever feel like slapping yourself for wanting to be a writer? If so, you have come to the right page. Don't get me wrong, being a writer is the only path for me. Lets just call it a love-hate relationship. 

I've been editing a manuscript for a friend. At the same time, I'm also working on my second book. Anyone who has edited a manuscript knows that its a long and time-consuming process. You have to worry about grammar, spelling, plot, structure, flow, and so much more. Ultimately, though, the effort is worth the result. Everyone knows you have to polish your manuscript. 

Unfortunately, some of us take it a little too far. 

Last night, I spent two hours editing and modifying one chapter. This is the perfectionist coming out in me. I started thinking surely, surely I wasn't the only one. I know other perfectionist writers exist out there, and so I have some tips that might help those unhappy few get through the grueling process.  

1) Use a laptop rather than a typewriter. 

This will save time and money.

2) Finish the whole manuscript first, and then go back to edit. 

If you get stuck in one place, then you will never leave. 

3) Take breaks. 

If you spend too much time working at the computer, then you are going to lose your mind. Or possibly delete the whole manuscript in despair. Don't overdo it or you'll end up looking like one of the hagravens from Skyrim. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, watch TV, play a game, spend some time with your significant other- whatever helps you relax.

4) Drink plenty of water, exercise, and do some stretches. 

Spending so much time hunched over a laptop can be detrimental to your health. Stay hydrated, stretch for good posture, and exercise to be healthy. It relieves stress and back pain.

5) Just let it go. 

Eventually, you are going to have to release your manuscript into the wild. Don't hold on too tightly or you'll never get anywhere. 

I'm no expert, but these rules have helped me get through many a manuscript. This is how you survive the path of the perfectionist writer. 

So best of luck in your endeavors and may you be less obsessive than I am!