Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

First Draft is Now Finished!

I feel my dreams are coming closer to me and once I reach out to meet them they will be firmly in my grasp. Sadly I won't be reaching out to them until I am completely happy with my novel!

So I have now finally finished my first draft of my novel and am now mid-process on the second draft. I am so excited and I feel like I could fly off easily but my butt is rooted to my seat keeping me editing and adding in more of my novel thank god for second drafts! Once I've finished my second draft I will then commence with the third draft before handing it over to someone to read for me so fresh eyes can spot anything I might have missed. Once I get it back from them and correct anything that may need correcting I will read it again myself before finally looking for an agent or publisher to represent me. Hopefully someone will say hell yes and care for my novel as much as I care for it and my wonderful characters.

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Comment by Katie McKnight on July 20, 2013 at 9:32pm: The second draft is my favorite. In my experience, the story is written in the first draft and editing is handled in the third draft. Characters come alive in the second draft. They blossom into real people dealing with circumstances beyond their control. My first book comes out in twelve days and I am so excited. Do yourself a huge favor, don't hold on to your manuscript too long. I spent a year editing and re-editing the novel. Once you feel it is good enough (as you mentioned above) let it go. Rejections are difficult, but the day you receive a contract, you'll dance. When you send out the query letter, slip into your thick skin. There are many people who will love your story as much as you do. You just need to dance through that slush pile until you find them. Best of luck!

Comment by April Hollingworth on July 21, 2013 at 12:51pm: Thank you so much for your wonderful advice and yes I am finding my characters are definitely coming more alive in the second draft. They are also telling me more of their story which they left out in the first draft.

What is the name of your book that is coming out? You must be so excited and I'm delighted for you. Wishing you loads of success and thank you for your wonderful advice which I will listen to.