Tweak, Tweak and Tweak Again

I've been working on a YA (Young Adult) novel for over 2 years now. It is a constant learning experience. This is not my first try at it either. My first one is still in the tweaking process after 3 years of research and development. Just writing a story isn't enough, it's writing the story within the expectations of the publishing industry. Learning these expectations and guidelines is sometimes a painstaking process. What I thought was ready for submission was actually not even close to being editor ready. Then there is what's hot and what's not. Writing within the marketable genres can sometimes squelch the enthusiasm right out of me. At this point, I think I am now considered at an intermediate level of writing at least. I have a little bit of published work under my belt, but I'm by no means am I a sought after published author. I am still finding my voice - whatever that is. This current project; however, shows promise and I am very excited about this latest rewrite. It seems to be getting better and better with each new tweak. I am thinking of it like an artist at the canvas. When does one know when the work is actually finished? How do you know when the final stroke of the brush has been painted? When does a writer know a chapter is complete, a character fully developed or a novel has reached it's final curtain call? I guess its kind of like putting on makeup in the morning. When do you know when there is enough mascara on those lashes along with enough shadow, rough and lipstick? One things for sure, we know when it's too much, because we will look like a clown. In that respect, I guess we can know when to back off from a project. I try to put some distance between myself and the characters I have come to know so intimately. I give my emotions a break from the intensity and then come back to it later. Seeing it with refreshed eyes helps me read it like a first time reader would understand it. Sure, I wish I could crank out a novel a week, but I'm just not up to that level of proficency and I'm not sure I want to be. I know I won't get it perfect either. After spending so much time on it, that's a given. This is why I have to have a fresh set of eyes to look at it before I even think about submitting. Then there's the pitch. With most agents and publishers now only accepting queries, the pitch is essential to getting the manuscript requested for a read. At the last conference I attended, we actually practiced pitching to each other which was a great way to get use to doing it. I suggested to my local writer's group that we try to have some pitching sessions with each other as well. Sounds like we're playing baseball. I like baseball. Eventually, all this practice, determination and tenacity should culminate in a book deal or at least an agent that can get me a book deal. Keeping my fingers to the keyboard in the meantime.