Hi Reader,

This month is all about first drafts for me.

I spent October talking about how to use writing challenges to your advantage, and I know many of you are participating in some version of NaNoWriMo or Novel November right now.

You’re flying through your first draft (or, at least making steady progress), and whether you’re on pace to hit 50k in one month or not, you can and will finish that book!!

Then, you’ll be ready for the real work.

Yes, drafting is hard, but it’s only the beginning of the writing process, and it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’ll transform that first, rough draft into your final, polished masterpiece.

That journey isn’t easy, and of the people who start books, far too many fall off during the revision phase of the process, most because they make a mistake and never recover.

Here are two that I see as an editor/book coach:

#1 - Focusing on the wrong level of editing.

If you’re cleaning up typos and adjusting your descriptions in draft #1, you’re doing it wrong. First drafts are meant to be viewed at the 10,000-foot level, so you can make sure the entire story works as a whole.

First drafts need developmental edits a.k.a. revisions (I know, I know, revision and editing are usually used interchangeably, and why would I be called a developmental editor if I actually help people revise…but that’s a conversation for another time).

The point is, your first draft needs plot-level help. Sentence-level issues don’t exist for us right now, no matter how much your inner perfectionist wants to start polishing.

#2 - Focusing on the wrong revision priorities. Two common culprits: word count & mass appeal.

Yes, word count matters, especially if you’re working toward a traditional publishing deal, but it’s not a first draft concern. If you hyper-focus on hitting a specific word count, you may inadvertently cut essential elements of your plot.

Instead, I want you to spend your first round of revision making the story as strong as possible. You can trim it back at the line level later.

Trying to write for broad appeal can be even more dangerous.

Why? Because it can often lead writers to water down their best, most unique ideas.

Instead, figure out who your book is for and amplify the things that will make them happiest.

That means leaning into your genre/subgenre and the things that make it special.

Writing dark romance? Make it pitch black. Writing comedic fiction? Don’t stop until it’s roll-on-the-floor funny.

Don’t try to force yourself into a mold that will never contain you and the beautiful things you’re meant to create.

Ready to learn more about these first draft revision mistakes? My last two podcast episodes are for you!!

Check out Episode 48: The #1 First Draft Editing Mistake I See as a Developmental Editor here.

Check out Episode 49: Are You Prioritizing the Wrong Things In Your Novel’s First Draft? here.

And if you’re ready to learn even more about revising your first draft (or, let’s be real, a second or third draft that still feels like a first draft), join Fix Your First Draft here - it’s happening live next Tuesday 11/17 at 4pm EST!!

I hope to see you there!

All the best,

Olivia

Your story matters. Let's make it great.

Curious to know how I can help? Check out my services here. I can't wait to work with you, so you can write the book your future readers are waiting for!

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