How to Know When Your Novel is Ready to Publish

As writers, we know the ever-burning question: Is my novel truly done?

After months (or years) of work, it can be hard to stop editing and hit publish. Many of us worry about whether our book is perfect enough to share with the world, but perfection is a myth. Being ready is all about confidence, preparation, and a whole lot of trust in the process.

In this article, I connected with author of The Sea of Green Triston Smith to learn more about his experience with self-publishing, self-editing, and when he knew it was time to put the pen down.

You’ve revised, revised, and revised again

First drafts are just the beginning. If you’ve written a novel, you’ve created something with potential—and what happens next is what turns that potential into a finished product. Multiple rounds of revision are essential to bring out the best in your story.

“I actually wrote the first draft of The Sea of Green in a month,” Smith said. “It ended up being 400 pages, which I later edited down to 375, and then I spent the next year and a half revising it. It really went through the ringer. I edited it through multiple rounds, focusing on grammar and punctuation, cutting adverbs, eliminating passive voice, strengthening the beginnings and endings, fixing head-hopping, refining dialogue tags, and more.”

This is where the true magic happens: where you refine plot points, clarify character motivations, and improve pacing. This often means revising your novel several times, including:

Self-edits to clean up the big picture: Are there plot holes? Is the pacing right? Are the characters’ arcs satisfying?
Beta readers, who will give you fresh eyes and offer feedback.
Professional editing to polish your language and fix any technical issues.

You’ll know your novel is ready when it’s gone through these rounds, and the big problems are fixed. Common signs your novel might still need more work include:

Plot holes or unresolved subplots.
Inconsistent pacing.
Characters whose arcs feel underdeveloped.

If you’re still tweaking the major elements, it’s time for another round of revisions before you think about publishing.

“Once everything was said and done, I requested a proof copy and sat down with a green pen (because it’s The Sea of Green, so I couldn’t use red) to go over it one last time,” Smith said. “Every time, I found something to change. Now, would I do all this for future novels? Probably not. Some edits were more valuable than others. As I continue to grow as a writer, I learn what works for me and the story—and what doesn’t. The multiple rounds of grammar and punctuation and beta readers are always necessary, but identifying your strengths and weaknesses is crucial and finding a way to turn everything into a strength is very important.”

Your beta readers love it

When it comes to writing, objective feedback is crucial. Friends and family are great for emotional support, but they might not always give you the honest, constructive criticism you need. That’s why beta readers—a group of readers who aren’t emotionally invested in your success—are so important.

Beta readers can spot issues that you might overlook and offer feedback on:

Whether they connect with the characters and story.
How the pacing feels—is it dragging or fast-paced?
Whether there are minor issues that need addressing.

If your beta readers are genuinely enjoying your book and offering only minor critiques, you’re in a great place. If they feel engaged and invested, that’s a strong sign your novel is ready to move forward.

Your book has been professionally edited

Even the most skilled writers need editors. And whether you’re a self-publisher or pursuing traditional routes, professional editing is essential for catching mistakes and improving the overall quality of your writing.

There are different types of editing to consider:

Developmental editing addresses big-picture issues like plot structure, pacing, and character development.
Line editing looks at the flow of sentences and overall readability.
Copyediting focuses on grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Proofreading ensures there are no lingering errors after the final edits.

When you’re done, the editing process should feel like refining—not rewriting entire sections. If your editor is tweaking sentences and polishing the prose rather than recommending significant changes, you’re getting close.

You have a strong opening AND ending

Never judge a book by its cover—but your first page has to grab readers. The opening is often what will determine whether someone keeps reading or puts your book down, so test it. Show it to trusted readers and see if it captures their attention. If they’re intrigued from the start, you’re on the right track.

The ending is just as important—it has to leave an impact and feel satisfying. Did your readers feel closure? Was the story arc resolved in a meaningful way?

Here’s your quick checklist:

Does your opening draw readers in and give them a reason to keep reading?
Is your ending satisfying and emotional, leaving readers with a sense of completion.

“The biggest challenge I faced when structuring my novel was managing multiple character arcs. With almost 10 main characters, I had to ensure each one felt important, had their own unique journey, and still found moments to shine—all without bogging down the pacing,” Smith said.

“To maintain momentum, I structured my chapters so that they ended with a rising moment or just after a major event. I’ve always felt this keeps me hooked when reading, so I applied the same approach to my story. After action-packed chapters, I would dive into each character’s life, shifting perspectives to give readers insight without confusing them. This structure allowed me to balance action with character development, giving readers a breather while still pushing the story forward.”

Your formatting, cover, and blurb are ready to go

Self-publishing isn’t just about the writing—it’s about how your book looks and feels. Your book format must be polished, both for print and ebook versions. Readers will notice if your formatting is sloppy, so make sure it’s professional.

On that note, a professional cover is essential. The cover should not only be eye-catching but should fit your genre and tone. This is what draws readers in and convinces them to buy.

Lastly, don’t forget your blurb—the short, punchy description that hooks potential readers. A strong blurb can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.

You’re ready to let go

The emotional side of publishing can be the hardest, because letting go of your book is scary. This is where you ask yourself: Are you ready to publish because the book is truly ready, or because you’re impatient to see it out in the world? There’s a big difference.

“I knew the story was done when I was excited to share it. I got to go on this amazing fantasy adventure with incredible characters who felt real to me and shared their lives with me. It’s deeply special to me, but I can’t keep it all to myself,” Smith said.

“So, when I felt like the only changes left were word choices, nothing that actually needed to be done, just things I wanted to change, that’s when I knew it was time to let the bird fly out of the nest. At some point, you have to accept that perfection is elusive. The book is as good as I can make it right now, and I have to trust that it’s enough.”

Still unsure whether or not you’re ready?

That’s okay, and I’m here for you. If you have questions or simply want to yap about the publishing journey, reach out to taylorfengle@gmail.com, or follow my writer Instagram for all updates.