The Art of Letting Go: When is a Book Ever Truly Finished?

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go of a Book?

Letting go is one of the hardest things to do—especially when it comes to something as personal as writing a book. As authors, we pour our hearts into our stories, shaping and reshaping them until they feel just right. But the truth is, a book never really feels finished—only ready enough to be shared with the world.

The Story Never Feels Complete—And That’s Okay

When I sent Wherever You Will Go to my editor, I found myself reflecting on this process of release. It’s the first book in The Hope Series, and if I’m honest, part of the reason I made it a series is because the story didn’t feel done. There was more to explore, more to tell. The characters wouldn’t let me leave them behind. And so, Book 1 became just the beginning.

Even After Editing, Perfection Doesn’t Exist

But even after professional edits and multiple rounds of proofreading, I’m still spotting things! As I embark on recording my own audiobook—a process I’m both excited and slightly terrified about—I’m noticing little typos that somehow slipped through, despite all the careful checks. It’s a reminder that no book is ever perfect, no matter how many eyes have seen it. And that makes it tempting to hold on just a little longer, to delay hitting publish, to keep tweaking and refining forever.

Trust the Process—And Your Readers

At some point, though, we have to trust the work we’ve done. To let go. To believe in the story as it stands and allow it to reach readers who will experience it in their own way.

Want to Read Wherever You Will Go Before Release?

That's why I’m now releasing early copies of Wherever You Will Go for read and review ahead of its official publication on 17th June. If you’d like to be part of my early reader team, you can sign up via my Google Docs Form.

So, when is a book truly finished? Perhaps the real answer is: never. But it can be ready. And that’s enough.

How do you decide when it’s time to let go—whether it’s a creative project, a big life decision, or something you’ve been holding onto for too long? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.