Between Drafts Self-Editing for Authors: Getting Feedback, the "Triage" Method, and More (Ep. 4)
Delve into the art of self-editing with insights on effective feedback and tailored questions for beta readers. Learn to master a top-down hierarchy in your writing—focusing on story before details. Explore innovative publishing models that enhance author rights. Understand the balance between revision and over-editing, alongside using tools like GitHub for version control. Finally, uncover techniques to elevate your prose and the impact of different reading mediums on your writing.
55:23
Nathan's Book Update
- Nathan is almost finished with his book, "The Witch Trial," and is preparing query letters.
- He plans to send it to a small group of beta readers initially, expanding the group based on feedback and requests.
Top-Down Editing
- Edit top-down, focusing on story-level edits first before micro-level details.
- Avoid editing while writing to prevent wasted time on potentially deleted sections.
Hierarchy of Editing
- Editing has a hierarchy of levels: story, act, scene, prose, then grammar.
- Edit in that order to avoid wasting time on details of sections that might change.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Navigating Manuscript Submission
01:44 • 5min
Mastering the Art of Editing
06:46 • 16min
Structuring Feedback: A Positive Approach to Writing Improvement
23:11 • 2min
Mastering the Editing Process
24:54 • 17min
Enhancing Prose: Insights and Techniques
42:08 • 11min
Exploring Lost Technologies and Creative Drafting
53:35 • 2min
Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results.
Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation.
The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.
L'Almanac
L'Almanac
None
Naval Ravikant
L'Almanac de Naval Ravikant est une compilation de ses pensées et réflexions sur la vie, la richesse et le succès.
Il explore des concepts clés tels que la création de valeur, l'importance du travail acharné et la nécessité de développer des compétences rares.
Ravikant encourage une approche non conventionnelle de la richesse, en mettant l'accent sur la création de valeur à long terme plutôt que sur la recherche de gains rapides.
Il aborde des thèmes tels que l'apprentissage continu, l'importance des relations et la nécessité de trouver un équilibre entre travail et vie personnelle.
L'Almanac est une source d'inspiration pour ceux qui cherchent à construire une vie significative et prospère.
East of Eden
Paul Osborn
In 'East of Eden', John Steinbeck tells the story of the Trask and Hamilton families, set against the backdrop of California's Salinas Valley.
The novel is a modern retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Cal and Aron Trask, and their struggles with their father, Adam.
The book delves into themes of love, rejection, and the choice between good and evil, symbolized by the Hebrew word 'timshel', meaning 'thou mayest'.
The narrative is rich with characters like Samuel Hamilton, a kind and wise patriarch, and Kate, the embodiment of evil, whose past and actions significantly impact the lives of the Trasks.
The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is a heroic fantasy novel that tells the life story of Kvothe, an infamous adventurer and musician.
The story is presented in a 'story-within-a-story' format, where Kvothe recounts his life to a scribe named Chronicler.
The narrative spans from Kvothe's childhood in a troupe of traveling performers to his years as a student at a prestigious school of magic, and through various trials and hardships.
The book is renowned for its vivid world-building, rich dialogue, and the emotional depth of its characters.
Shogun
James Clavell
Shōgun is a historical novel that chronicles the end of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period and the dawn of the Edo period.
The story centers around John Blackthorne, an English navigator who becomes shipwrecked in Japan and becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region.
Blackthorne must navigate a foreign culture, learn the language, and adapt to the customs of feudal Japan, all while being caught in the midst of a power struggle between powerful daimyōs, particularly Toranaga and Ishido.
The novel explores themes of cultural clash, adaptation, political intrigue, and personal transformation, providing a vivid portrayal of the collision between Eastern and Western cultures.
Crypto Confidential
Winning and Losing Millions in the New Frontier of Finance
Nathaniel Eliason
Crypto Confidential is Nathaniel Eliason's unfiltered account of his experiences in the hyperactive and highly speculative world of cryptocurrency.
The book chronicles his journey from learning to code to becoming a key developer in a token valued at billions of dollars.
It exposes the behind-the-scenes workings of the crypto market, including bull runs, breakdowns, scams, and the intense emotions and high stakes involved.
Eliason's anecdotes are both entertaining and instructive, providing valuable insights into the warning signs of disaster in the crypto market and how to be a more educated participant.
Roadside Picnic
Boris Strugatsky
Arkady Strugatsky
In 'Roadside Picnic', the story revolves around Redrick 'Red' Schuhart, a stalker who ventures into the hazardous Zone to retrieve valuable alien artifacts.
The novel explores the aftermath of an alien visitation, where the aliens left behind strange and often deadly objects.
The story delves into themes of survival, the human condition, and the consequences of interacting with these alien artifacts.
It also serves as a commentary on societal issues, including the economic and social disparities of the time.
The novel is known for its philosophical and social commentary, as well as its unique approach to the science fiction genre.
A Song of Ice and Fire
George R.R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of high fantasy novels that takes place in a fictional world where seasons last for years.
The story is set primarily in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and follows multiple plotlines, including a civil war for the Iron Throne among several competing families, the threat of the supernatural Others beyond the Wall, and the rise of dragons in the east.
The series is known for its complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building, drawing comparisons to J.R.
R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Husk
Husk
Frederic L'Homme
Arnaud Boudoiron
Musashi
Eiji Yoshikawa
This epic novel follows the life of Miyamoto Musashi after the Battle of Sekigahara.
It chronicles his transformation from Shimmen Takezō to Miyamoto Musashi under the influence of the monk Takuan.
The story explores themes of honor, loyalty, revenge, and the philosophical dimensions of the samurai way.
Musashi's journey includes his innovations in swordsmanship, his feuds with other samurai, and his romantic life.
The novel provides deep insights into Japan during the early Edo period and the harsh realities of samurai life.
Wise Man's Fear
Patrick Rothfuss
In this sequel to 'The Name of the Wind,' Kvothe continues to recount his life story to Chronicler and Bast.
The narrative follows Kvothe's further education at the University, where he learns advanced magic and practical skills.
He also delves deeper into the mysteries of the Chandrian, the legendary figures responsible for his family's death.
The story includes his interactions with Denna, his feud with Ambrose, and his adventures in the Fae realm with Felurian.
Kvothe's journey is marked by his growth as an arcanist, his involvement in courtly politics, and his encounters with various mythical beings and cultures.
Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode betweendraftspod.com/episodes/4
In this episode, Nathan and Nat share their processes for getting feedback and editing their drafts.
From outlining a "top-down" hierarchy that nails the high-level story before sweating the small stuff, to strategies for soliciting targeted feedback, this conversation is a masterclass on self-editing for any author working on their manuscript.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction to editing approaches and book updates
[00:47] Nathan's progress on "The Witch" and query letters
[01:36] Discussion of manuscript feedback and beta readers
[02:58] Exploring non-traditional publishing options
[03:17] Breakdown of Author's Equity publishing model
[05:09] Nat's update on "Husk" manuscript feedback
[07:11] Editing strategies and question-based feedback approach
[08:28] Common editing mistakes and inefficient processes
[10:05] Hierarchy of editing levels: story, act, scene, prose
[13:34] Strategies for avoiding over-editing while writing
[16:31] Effective questions for beta readers
[19:36] When to share drafts with others for feedback
[25:36] Using GitHub for manuscript version control
[37:06] Experience working with professional editors
[38:58] Impact of different reading mediums on editing
[42:34] Techniques for improving prose and writing style
[49:35] Finding honest feedback and handling criticism
[51:43] Current reading recommendations and discussions
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