Are You Too Close to Your Manuscript?

You’ve been living inside your manuscript for weeks, maybe months, or even years. You know it inside and out. You’ve rewritten scenes, reshaped chapters, reworked whole sections.

And now? You can’t tell if it’s brilliant or a disaster.

This moment is completely normal, and a telltale sign that you might be too close to your manuscript to see it clearly. But don’t worry. There are ways to reset your perspective and get back into your creative flow.

Sign #1: You Can’t Tell What’s Working or What’s Not

Every sentence feels either genius or terrible, and your opinion flips depending on the time of day or how much coffee you’ve had. You’re no longer reading your words; you’re reciting them from memory.

What to do: Step away!
Even just a week away from your manuscript can help reset your eyes and brain. During that time, read something totally different – ideally in a different genre – to restore your narrative instincts.

Sign #2: You’re Editing in Circles

You tweak a paragraph. You change it back. You move a section. You move it again. You’re not making progress, you’re rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic (and your manuscript isn’t even sinking!).

What to do: Zoom out!
Revisit your outline (or create one if you haven’t). Bring yourself back to the point of each scene, each chapter. Ask yourself:

• “What is the point of this scene/section/chapter?”
• “Is it doing that clearly and effectively?”

If not, you’re not polishing, you’re stalling.

Sign #3: You Dread Opening the Document

You love your book; but right now, just thinking about it makes your shoulders tense. You open the file, scroll for a minute, and close it again. You’re tired. Over it. A little resentful, even.

What to do: Get feedback!
Seriously. Don’t go at it alone. A fresh, kind, professional set of eyes (hi there!) can spot what’s working, gently flag what’s not, and help you fall back in love with your own work. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your manuscript is to stop pushing and invite support.

Final Thoughts: Clarity Isn’t a Solo Sport

Being too close to your manuscript isn’t a sign of failure at all. It’s a sign of investment! It means you’ve been in it. You’ve shown up. You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to step back so you can see what you’ve really created and take it to the next level.

If you’re in the “too close to it” phase, I’ve got you. I offer supportive, strategic coaching, and editing for writers who want clarity, momentum, and honest-but-kind feedback. Check out my services or contact me today. You don’t have to figure this out alone!