11 July 2022
A lesser-known fact about me: In addition to writing my own novels, I am a developmental editor. I help authors improve their novels. Sometimes these novels get sold; sometimes-as one of my despairing clients knows all too well-they don't. About a year ago, she came back to me wanting to work on a sixth draft based on the suggestions of an interested agent. "At this point," she said. "I just want this novel to be over."