It's not just a Paul Harvey phrase, it's what this post is about. What do you do once you have your synopsis turned in and your publisher digs your idea? Well, you sign a contract!

If it's your first contract with a publisher, then you'll go straight into the editing process. This can take a long while, and can be one of the most painful things you'll ever do. You have to be blatantly honest with yourself about bits and pieces of your work. Can you let this part go? Is that paragraph really necessary? Does this chapter add anything to the story, and move it along, or does it feel more like filler? I've always joked to say that 'editing is evil'. But it's a necessary evil, one that will, in the end, actually smooth and hone your story in a way you might not have ever expected.

If you don't have your book finished, then signing a contract means...deadline! That's right, deadline, baby, and don't you forget it! While most stories I've signed a contract for on the basis of the first three chapters flow easily, there have been a couple that have given me trouble. It can be daunting when you have a deadline looming and your characters are refusing to cooperate. However, it can be a great incentive, too. When you know someone's waiting for the finished product, it can jar those pesky scenes out of the corners of your head. Before you know it, you've met the deadline (after lots of blood, sweat, and tears), and you're turning it in for the editor to have a look at. Then-that's right-letting the editing begin!

I can't tell you what a relief it is once the editor says, "That's it, that was the final round of edits". Of course, ten seconds later comes the anticipation and anxiety of the release date.

The cover art is sent to you, the last step in the finishing process. I always grin and giggle when I get to see the new cover, because I have never not enjoyed the artwork that the awesome cover artists have done. Having the characters come to life in picture form is incredible!

Then comes word, "Congratulations! Your book was released!" Seeing your name on a story that you've worked long and hard on, a story that you invested yourself in and loved and nurtured, is amazing! Waiting to see if anyone else appreciates your hard work...that's the nail biter. What will the critics say? Will they like it? Hate it? Be ambivalent? Will they love and appreciate your characters the way you do? Or will they find the weak points you never knew existed?

But I can promise you, no matter what's said, you will always hold all of your work to your heart. They're very much like children, and seeing them out on their own and making their own mark is wonderful! So don't be afraid to finish that story. You should look forward to every step, to every piece, no matter how daunting it might seem. It's more than worth it!