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Yesterday marked the end of NaNoWriMo. Congrats to everyone who has a complete manuscript to show for it. Being surrounded by writers, I know how hard it is to conceive and then write a full novel.

I have one warning for those writers who now have a manuscript burning a hole in their hard drive: I'd better not see queries for any of them in my inbox this month or in December.

I can guarantee that no matter how accomplished you are as a writer, you won't be able to present this to an agent or an editor. Even if they like your idea, they're going to send you back to your computer to tighten and revise what you've written. Save yourself (and us) the trouble by choosing to revise before showing your work to us. There are a few ways you can do this:

1. Put the novel in the drawer. Forget about it for at least one month (though usually more time has to pass before you can look objectively at your novel). Take it out after that month, read what you've written, and make notes for yourself on what to revise. Then dive in and start your rewrites. Drawbacks to this method: Can you really objectively look at your work and identify weak spots in your novel?
2. As soon as you type the words, "The End", hit save and send the file to your critique partner. Ask them to be kind, but honest about your work. Drawbacks to this method: Does your critique partner know how to guide you in a way that will benefit your novel?
3. Tell your critique group that you need their feedback on your novel. Share with the group and meet online or in person to learn what they think about your work. Drawbacks to this method: Will there be too many opinions on the best way to strengthen your novel?
4. Scout out freelance editors and choose one to read your novel. Wait eagerly for their editorial letter that gives you a road map on how to revise your manuscript. Drawbacks to this method: Do you have enough cash for this kind of revision process? Also, will a freelance editor know how to guide your revisions so that you will strengthen your book in a way that attracts an agent or editor?

Obviously there isn't one method to the process, but the point is that you aren't done in the writing process. You're just beginning so don't pitch your book too early.