I actually printed out my novel in a book format, then read it as though I was reading a novel and found still more editing I needed to do! So I don't know if there is an answer to this question, although I agree with Damien that you have to learn to let go. If you feel confident, feel the story has been told and you have edited within an inch of its life, maybe?
With short stories, I write for competition's like W&A's 'The Visit' comp, so a deadline plays a part. This time however I submitted earlier since my Mum was out of it in hospital at the time and I couldn't keep my head focussed. Usually, I write a first draft, shuffle it, rework it and when the basics are down, I read it and edit it. Then I read it and edit a bit more. Then I read it and edit a bit less. Then, I find I just got to the end and made no edits. Submit.
For my novel my approach is the same, but being so much bigger I could do with advice on pace and plotting etc, things that aren't so obviously a challenge in only 2000 words.Still dreaming for an agent to come along and sooth my furrowed brow.
Ah, what a good question. I tend to have to force myself to stop for fear of making the writing worse by tinkering too much. A lot of artistry can be lost if you shave off too much roughness / voice. (I actually blogged about this a while ago - so, fuller thoughts here: http://www.simonpclark.com/2013/04/forget-starting-edits-how-hell-do-you.html )
I never used an editorial service, though I considered using Cornerstones. In the end my agent acted as first editor.
How long is a piece of string....
I actually printed out my novel in a book format, then read it as though I was reading a novel and found still more editing I needed to do! So I don't know if there is an answer to this question, although I agree with Damien that you have to learn to let go. If you feel confident, feel the story has been told and you have edited within an inch of its life, maybe?
With short stories, I write for competition's like W&A's 'The Visit' comp, so a deadline plays a part. This time however I submitted earlier since my Mum was out of it in hospital at the time and I couldn't keep my head focussed. Usually, I write a first draft, shuffle it, rework it and when the basics are down, I read it and edit it. Then I read it and edit a bit more. Then I read it and edit a bit less. Then, I find I just got to the end and made no edits. Submit.
For my novel my approach is the same, but being so much bigger I could do with advice on pace and plotting etc, things that aren't so obviously a challenge in only 2000 words.Still dreaming for an agent to come along and sooth my furrowed brow.
Ah, what a good question. I tend to have to force myself to stop for fear of making the writing worse by tinkering too much. A lot of artistry can be lost if you shave off too much roughness / voice. (I actually blogged about this a while ago - so, fuller thoughts here: http://www.simonpclark.com/2013/04/forget-starting-edits-how-hell-do-you.html )
I never used an editorial service, though I considered using Cornerstones. In the end my agent acted as first editor.