But also, I can't have a more positive attitude if I want to come out of the trenches without my spirit crushed. With the industry being as competitive as it is, a dose of pessimism (or realism, rather) is advisable. Right?

I've gone through revisions five times, had some feedback on draft four, and I intend to send out queries in early January.

Sure, though I'm not really looking for betas or feedback atm.

Yes, the first time I got further than completing a first draft, not to mention going through a few rounds of revisions.

It does, but it's also a source of extremely strong imposter syndrome, because I constantly question if it's worth anybody's time 🫣

Well, it's taken over 2 years to get to this point and no, I don't think I got this 🫣
It's a speculative/steampunk, heist novel with a heavy side of romance.