When you’ve finished that novel or nonfiction manuscript, consider whether it’s truly ready to send out. In this essay about reading, the author notes:

And yet, with all four of these books, the authors had not polished their skills, nor had they sufficiently polished their manuscripts. I’m not just talking about misplaced punctuation or bad spelling, either. I’m talking about basic plot holes; two-dimensional, clichéd characters and situations; unnatural and awkward dialogue; and unbelievable, contrived scenarios that didn’t arise naturally out of the events of the story.

Take care of your readers and trust me…they’ll take care of you!