What comes after writing the first draft?

What comes after writing the first draft?

What Is the Process of Writing a Second Draft? Once you’ve finished your first draft, the first thing to do is go back to the beginning of your manuscript and carefully read through it. The second draft is all about finding surprises along the way and starting to tease out the shape of your story.

How long should a second draft take?

Compared to my fast first drafts, the second draft is sloooooooow. Anywhere from three to nine months slow. (At least, that feels really, really slow to me.)

How long should it take to edit a first draft of a novel?

We’d suggest at least two weeks, preferably four. If you can, move onto something else or completely take a break from writing.

What to do after finishing novel?

5 Next Steps After You Write a Book

1. Let Your Book Rest. Not only do you need a break after writing your book, your book needs one too.
2. Read Your Book. Before you jump into editing, read your book from start to finish.
3. Dream.
4. Edit and Rewrite for Structure.
5. Get Some Help.

How do I rewrite my first draft?

9 tips on rewriting your first draft.

1. Print out your first draft and read it through.
2. Write a note for each mistake.
3. Uh-oh, big problems!
4. Put the Manuscript aside for a few more days.
5. Write a one line pitch.
6. Write the WANTS and NEEDS of characters.
7. Rewrite your synopsis for structure.
8. Complete re-write, or patch-up job?

How do I edit my second draft?

5 Tips for Editing Your Second Draft

1. Take a break, then go through your draft with fresh eyes. Especially if this is your first novel, only start your second draft after you’ve had adequate time away from it.
2. Understand your chaos.
3. Break it up into separate goals.
4. Track your narrative.
5. Don’t proofread until the end.

What to do after finishing a first draft?

What to do After You Finish the First Draft of Your Book

1. Let it rest. This part can be the most difficult.
2. Read it all the way through, once.
3. Revise.
4. Read it through again — out loud.
5. Make any final revisions.
6. Write a synopsis.
7. Write a query letter.
8. Figure out who to send the query letter to and go out on submission.

How do I finish my first draft?

The best way to finish that first draft is to develop a writing routine. Make writing a daily habit. Set goals for yourself. Do a bit every day and in a few weeks you’ll be able to finish a story.

How do I edit a first draft?

How to Edit the First Draft of Your Novel

1. Let It Sit. Gaining perspective on your novel requires that you wait a little while before jumping into revisions.
2. Find Your Novel’s Purpose.
3. Read It Through.
4. List Your Problems.
5. Find Solutions.
6. Start Your Second Draft.
7. Seek Feedback.

What happens after the first draft of a book?

Especially your first book. It shifts something in your psyche. You know you can do it, now, and nothing can ever take that away from you. That’s a feeling I want for every writer who has ever dreamed of writing a book. But once you’ve finished that first draft — there’s still work to do.

Should you edit your book after it is published?

The days of a book being finished on publication are over. If someone finds a typo, no problem. If you want to update the back matter with your author website and mailing list details, no worries. If you want to re-edit the whole book later when you are a better writer, you can do that too.

Do you have to read your first draft before publishing?

What you’ve written is a first draft. If you want to write your very best book, there is a lot more work to do before you’re finished. Because I’m a book editor, I know that some writers submit their first draft to a publisher, possibly without ever re-reading their work.

Should you get a line edit before publishing?

The first time you get a proper line edit, it will hurt. You think you’re a writer and then someone changes practically every sentence. Ouch! But remember, editing makes your book stronger, and the reader will thank you for it. The more eyes on your book before publication, the better it will be when the book is actually out there.