I have made a vow with myself, that I am no longer sending out crap to agents and editors.
For certain values of crap:
Inasmuch as I can tell what it is and isn’t crap at a given point in my writing career; that I have no issues with the piece at a personal level; that I have no self-doubt about the piece; that I have let the piece cool for a significant amount of time, not to exceed one year; that several pairs of appropriate eyes have looked over the piece, including but not limited to readers, writers, audience appropriate readers, and specialized readers; that I have finished the piece more than one time at a minimum; that I have been over the material at least three times on my own, at least one more time for reader input, and at least one time solely for line edits; that I have carefully proofread the piece; and that I understand that the piece may be revised as my ability to see crap more clearly comes into play.
Understanding that many of these are minimums, and also understanding that there comes a point when revision can do more harm than good.
Underpinnings:
Quality is more important than the deadline; self-satisfaction is more important than the publication; self-respect is worth more than exposure; professionalism and quality go hand in hand; and since there is no guarantee of publication, you may as well hold yourself to high standards.
I can live with that.
ETA: I’ve been receiving some concern that perhaps this means I am down on my writing, so please allow me to contextualize. Many times, after I’ve circulated something, I look it over, and I can see why it didn’t succeed. I’d sort of like to skip that step, and send out something fairly decent the first time. That means I need to let things ripen more than I usually do.
Also, this does not mean I don’t intend to submit. Of course I intend to submit.
And this doesn’t mean that I reject that first drafts are crap. Yes, they are. Rewriting is ruler of all! That means, though, that I need to take more care with my rewriting process in order to produce a product I am happy with. Savvy?
And yes, other people may find my writing better than I do. Cool. But I am the first line of defense.
No crisis to see here. Just an attempt to do better.
Crap is a subjective term. I’ve found several items that I published years ago come close to fitting that description compared to the writing I’m doing now. It makes me wonder how I managed to get published at all.
As much as I cheer you on with your vow, I would also like to point out to beware of Drawer Syndrome. Don’t hold on to your work so long, you never send anything out at all. You’re a good writer. Remember that. Crap is the first draft. Everything else is spit and polish.
Never fear. I’ll still send things out. I believe there’s a point when I’ll be satisfied, given all those variables.
But yes, there’s always room for growth. That’s why I said “I understand that the piece may be revised as my ability to see crap more clearly comes into play.”
I know what you’re talking about when you suggest crap is subjective. In part that’s why I’m taking a closer look these days. I sometimes get something back after it’s been circulating for a while, and I say, “Well, no wonder.” If I could avoid that step, I’d be happier.
Cath