S09 E01 How to Not Ruin Your Novel: The Phenomenon of Premature Optimization

There’s one mistake I see writers make over and over again—and it’s the reason so many great books never get finished. It’s called premature optimization, and while it’s a term from computer science, it applies perfectly to writing a novel.

In this episode, I break down what premature optimization looks like for writers, why it’s so dangerous in a first draft, and how it’s connected to the failure of a now-forgotten Google product (RIP Google Wave). I also share real rejection letters from Big 5 editors that highlight the number one thing publishers are actually looking for—and why beautiful writing isn’t enough.

If you’re in the early or messy middle stages of your book, this episode will help you shift your focus to what really matters: story.

What You’ll Learn:

• What premature optimization is and how it derails writing progress

• Why polishing your sentences too early can backfire

• The difference between writing a book vs. writing a book by committee

• What Big 5 editors actually say in rejections—and what you can learn from them

Links & Resources:

• Read the blog post version: https://maryadkinswriter.com/blog/how-to-not-ruin-your-novel

• Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/krT6XdRC3TE?si=QrorxAu-SZuu6nUQ

• Apply to The Book Incubator: https://www.thebookincubator.com/

Subscribe & Review:

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