I’m currently editing a manuscript for someone who shall henceforth be called Friendie MacQuaintance. It’s a cracking good story but when I had my editor conversation before starting, Friendie said I should just do a polish. They just wanted it good enough to publish so that they could start other projects. Friendie knew that “this story won’t make me as a writer” so they were content with just finishing it up as easily and quickly as possible.
I was shocked because it had never occurred to me to do just good enough when writing. Even these blog posts get a couple of edit passes. Although, that might just be my OCD. Friendie’s story is pretty darn good as it is, but a few more drafts could really make it shine.
Of course, having said that, Friendie is a published author and I am not. So is good enough the way to go?
To test this idea, I opened up one of my many, many half-finished projects and gave it a quick scan, trying to imagine sending it out into the world for publishing. I only got to page two before the flinching got too severe to continue. Clearly, “good” is not enough for me.
The question is, am I being too uptight about making my writing perfect or is this just an example of two different author approaches, both of which will work for different people?
Nathan Chester Photography 
The question of how much tweaking is enough…I had that same disharmony, especially with my first book. There’s always that option for a second edition đ to improve if need be.
That’s a really good point that may help me get to sleep after I publish something. đ Thanks!
You’re welcome đ