Crossing the First Finish Line
What to do after finishing your first draft
When I first started writing intensively this fall, I wasn't sure when I would be done with my first draft. I thought maybe by December, and at that point I had written about 60,000 words, but still had a long way to go.
I kept chipping away at my manuscript and my next goal of a complete first draft was the end of February. I made great progress, but I still wasn't done. Here we are, a little past mid-March, and I have a few more chapters to go. I anticipate another month (or hopefully less!) and I'll be able to say that I'm done. But in what sense, exactly?
In the literary world, finishing your first draft is really just the crossing of one finish line, with many more looming. Here's a look at what's next in the months ahead!
Take a Break: Give yourself some time away from your manuscript to gain perspective. This break can help you approach the revision process with fresh eyes and a clearer mind.
Read and Evaluate: Read through your first draft from start to finish, taking notes on areas that need improvement, such as plot inconsistencies, character development, pacing issues, and overall structure.
Revise and Rewrite: Use your notes to revise and rewrite your manuscript. This may involve multiple rounds of revisions.
Seek Feedback: Share your revised manuscript with trusted beta readers, critique partners, or writing groups for feedback.
Edit for Grammar and Style: Once you're satisfied with the overall content of your manuscript, focus on editing for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. Pay attention to sentence structure, word choice, and consistency throughout the manuscript.
Consider Professional Editing: Depending on your budget and publishing goals, you may choose to hire a professional editor to provide developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading services to further refine your manuscript.
Format Your Manuscript: Prepare your manuscript for submission or publication by formatting it according to industry standards.
Finalize Your Title and Synopsis: Choose a compelling title for your novel and write a captivating synopsis or blurb that highlights the key elements of your story and engages potential readers.
Create a Submission Plan: If you're seeking traditional publishing, research literary agents or publishers who are a good fit for your genre and target audience. Prepare a professional query letter and submission package to send to agents or publishers.
Consider Self-Publishing: If you're considering self-publishing, research available platforms, cover designers, and formatting services. Develop a marketing plan to promote your book and connect with readers.
