Perfectionism is one of the biggest causes of writer’s block. It has to be perfect, or we keep it under our hat. That’s the mentality that causes beginning writers to spend all day writing three paragraphs.

I got past this a long time ago, but I’ve noticed that it tends to show up in other ways. This week, I’ve been finalizing my book and getting it ready for publication. I find myself tempted to go back and rip out entire chapters, re-write sections of the book, and rearrange sequences. I’ve held myself back, and I’ve decided that at this point, I’m not changing anything except spelling and grammar errors, duplicate words, unneeded passive voice, and redundant use of identical words and phrases. Everything else stays as is.

I’ve also decided not to hire a graphic artist to do the cover, and I’ve decided not to hire anyone to do a professional layout. That may happen when I release a second edition, but for now, I’m just making sure that it doesn’t look sloppy and unprofessional. Finally, I’ve run sections of the book past certain people, and I’ve made sure that no one had any major objections to anything I said.

If you’re writing a book, decide on what your “good enough” criteria are. When you hit that point, call an end to editing and move on. I would also recommend that you not begin editing until the first rough draft is complete. Editing is important, but don’t let it become an addiction.

You might also be tempted to start adding more material, thinking that your book is incomplete as it is. Decide what the scope is, and decide what you’re going to include. When you’ve written that much, don’t add any more.

You might find it helpful to give yourself a deadline. If you knew you had to have this book finished, no if’s, and’s or but’s, by a certain date, what are the minimal things you’d have to do before you’d publish it? Start by doing that, and call it Version 1.0.