When is a manuscript “Mature”?

I was catching up on some blog posts from GLA when I came across this interesting statement by agent Dorian Karchmar of WME (William Morris Endeavor) Entertainment.

“The book business is very difficult and not getting any easier; most books that are published don’t sell well, and many careers end practically before they start.”

Now there’s a bucket of ice cold water for you! It’s disheartening to think that you can dedicate so many years to a career, and then have it end so suddenly - and just when you thought you were finally getting somewhere.

Yes, yes, I know. Writers write to write, not to get published. It’s all about the journey...

Well, not for me. True, I do love to write just for the sake of writing sometimes. It can be very therapeutic. But, or should I say BUT since it’s a very big BUT, I consider myself a professional writer. Published = paycheck (although unfortunately not usually biweekly).

I have heard on many occasions that book buyers won’t buy a book from an author whose previous book didn’t sell well. Which of course means a publisher will be less likely to publish a book by that author, which means an editor is less likely to acquire the author’s next manuscript. Usually when I hear something like this, I just shove it in the closet with all the other “I’ll worry about that some other time” thoughts. I guess today is “some other time” because I’m pretty worried about it.

Now, I did take Ms. Karchmar’s statement somewhat out of context. She is offering sage advice, and the statement quoted above followed her reflection that many writers simply query too soon - before they’ve matured as writers and before a manuscript has matured.

My question is, how does one know when they’ve matured as a writer? When has a manuscript matured? Isn’t maturing an ongoing process? I like to think that I’ve matured as a writer - I’m certainly much more professional than I was when I started out nearly 10 years ago. I also like to think that my manuscripts have matured. But have they matured enough?

If my manuscripts have already gone through a few rounds of peer critiques and conference critiques, then the only way to know if they’ve matured enough is to send them out to editors or agents. Multiple form rejections = not mature enough. Personal rejections = maybe it’s close. Offer of representation or contract = mature enough. At least, that’s what I thought. But, if what Ms. Karchmar says is true, that most books fail, perhaps my theory is incorrect.

Is there some magical equation that allows us authors to know when it’s OK to send something out? Ms. Karchmar says this,

“Only when you’ve got your best possible work—something that can stand up there with the best of whatever genre you’re working in—should you start looking for the right agent to represent you.”

My problem with an explanation like this is, well, I think all of my writing can stand up there with the best of them. Doesn’t yours?

I’d love to know your thoughts on the subject, so comments are encouraged! Have a happy day!

Read the full GLA interview with Dorian Karchmar...