Your Next Draft

Discover how to determine when you're finished editing your novel. Topics covered include using a checklist to evaluate readiness for publication, the importance of achieving the desired emotional response, and finding the balance between perfectionism and letting go.

Stories are about change. Here’s how to craft compelling change in every scene, act, and novel.In fact, change is one of the fundamental things—maybe the fundamental thing—that makes stories useful, interesting, and fun.How do you make sure something changes in your story? And not just any change, but the right change?Let me introduce you to one of my favorite editing concepts: the value shift.Master value shifts, and you’ll find that crafting the perfect change in every story you write becomes . . . well, almost easy.And in this episode, I’ll show you how. You’ll learn:Why we NEED change in EVERY story4 best practices to identify the perfect value shift2 types of change you’ll find in every scene, act, and novel3 exercises you can use right away to apply value shifts to your writing (and life!)And more!Plus, I’ve created a free resource to make finding changes in your story even easier. It’s called the Value Shift Word Bank.In it, you’ll find all the value shifts that happen in the novels I’ve been editing lately. Use it to help you spot your own value shifts—or find the perfect value shift to add to your story!Get the Value Shift Word Bank here »This episode is one of my favorites. Value shifts are the foundation of everything I do as an editor. I’m always, always asking: what changes in this story?I can’t wait to share this essential approach to crafting change in stories with you!Links mentioned in the episode:Watch the opening scene of How to Train Your DragonGet the Value Shift Word Bank: alicesudlow.com/valueSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Overwhelmed by your novel? Try these five strategies to edit with confidence.Sometimes, editing your novel feels really scary.Yep, I said it. Sometimes, you get overwhelmed. You feel stuck. You wonder, do you even have what it takes to edit a book?I’m a professional editor, and even I feel that way sometimes. Right now, I’m working on a new novel from a fantastic author. And halfway through, I started wondering . . . is this book too good for me to edit it? Is it beyond me?In fact, I got so nervous about it that I actually paused in the middle of the book to write this episode!If you’ve ever doubted yourself while editing your novel, this episode is for you.In it, you’ll learn:2 major ways the prospect of editing a novel can be overwhelming5 strategies to bust through the overwhelm and edit like a proYour greatest strength when it comes to editing your novelWhen to stop editing alone and call in helpWhy you DO have what it takes (even if you’ve NEVER edited a book before!)The most important thing to STOP doing (even though it’s really hard to let it go!)And more!You have what it takes to edit your book. You have the perseverance, the love of great stories, and the passion it will take.Don’t believe me? Listen to the episode and find out how to defeat the overwhelm.Oh, and that book I’m editing? After I created this episode, I went back to the book. I applied all five strategies you’ll hear in the episode.And they worked!I shared tons of feedback with the writer, and she loved it. It just took me a quick break and a few intentional strategies to break through the overwhelm and find the best feedback for her.Because I have what it takes to edit a novel . . .. . . and so do you.Links mentioned in the episode:Download the 10-step guide to edit your novel: alicesudlow.com/10stepsFor reasons to love editing, check out ep. 23: 3 Simple Steps to Edit Absolutely Anything in Your NovelSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Learn why a four-act structure is essential in editing a novel, how it helps navigate the middle of the story, and the specific purpose of each act. Explore the benefits of four-act structure over traditional three-act structure and the progression from Act 2 to Act 3. Discover the importance of change and how the fourth act showcases the protagonist's transformation. Apply this structure to your own stories with a writing exercise.

You can get fantastic feedback on your writing for free. But first, you need to know whom to seek out, when to ask for feedback, and what kind of feedback to ask for.Ask the wrong people, and you’ll get uncritical praise, unhelpful critique, or even rejection.But ask the right people . . .Ask the right people, and you’ll get feedback that:Helps you finish your first draftPrepares you to work with an editorHelps you integrate a professional editor’s notesYou can even get the kind of feedback that professional editors can’t give you!In this episode, I’ll show you where to find the right people to ask for free feedback. You’ll learn:5 types of people who will give you feedback for freeThe pros and cons of each type of feedbackWhen in the editing process you should seek out each typeThe people you should NOT ask for feedbackHow to combine free feedback and paid feedback for the greatest benefitsAnd more!Even if you plan to hire an editor, you can apply free feedback in strategic ways to craft your best book. Listen to the episode and I’ll show you how.Send me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Most writers miss this simple editing principle. But when you understand it, when you truly master it, you have the power to craft your best story.Here it is:When you’re doing a developmental edit on a story, you can change absolutely anything.It sounds obvious, yet it’s so hard to do. In this episode, I’ll show you why—and share a simple three-step process that will give you editing superpowers.You’ll learn:How to go beyond line edits and start editing story events3 steps to make developmental editing almost easyHow to figure out what your story is really aboutWhat to do when something’s not working in your storyHow to uncover infinite possibilities for your storyHow to choose the BEST plot points for every moment of your storyWhy this kind of editing is so FUNAnd more!Plus, I’ll show you exactly how this editing process works with a real example.I’ve chosen the best highlights from my editing session with Kim Kessler. Listen to us apply this process step-by-step to edit Kim’s scene.Want to hear the full editing session? Listen to Kim’s edit here!By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear process to use to edit your own scenes—or even your entire novel. This is one you’ll want to save to revisit again and again!Links mentioned in the episode:Read the transcript of this episodeRead the scene Kim and I editedListen to Kim’s full editing sessionMeet Kim KesslerSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Answer these questions now to clarify your goals for your novel. Plus, they’ll prepare you to work with an editor when you’re ready for expert advice.When you reach out to an editor (like me!), they’ll have a lot of questions about your novel.After all, your editor is stepping into the middle of a writing, editing, and publication process that started long before they get to read your manuscript.The more information you can give your editor about your story, your process, and what success means to you, the better.In this episode, you’ll learn eight questions I ask writers when they reach out to me.You can even download them in a worksheet to fill out your answers as you listen. Grab the worksheet here.Treat that worksheet as a living document. It’s your guide to your novel and your goals.And when you’re ready to work with an editor, it will help you answer any questions they ask so you can find the editor who’s the best fit for you and your novel.Links mentioned in the episode:Get the worksheet: alicesudlow.com/editorquestionsTell me about your book: alicesudlow.com/contactSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Two simple questions to ensure your character development drives your plot.Every time I edit a novel, I ask two questions about the protagonist. They’re deceptively simple questions, but they reveal so much about the character.More than that, they reveal how the story should end.In other words, these two questions are the keys to:. . . your character development,. . . your climax,. . . and your resolution.In this episode, I’ll walk you through these essential questions:What does your character want?And what does your character need?You’ll learn:Where to find your character’s want and need in your story (hint: one is clear at the beginning, and one is clear at the end)How to combine the want and need for an amazing climax5 tips to find YOUR protagonist’s want and needWhy these questions are perfect for the editing process AND when you’re writing your first draftAnd more!Plus, I’ll show you an example of character wants and needs at play in a fantastic novel: The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik. It’s a perfect illustration of how these questions impact character development and plot.How about your story? What does your protagonist want? And what do they needLinks mentioned in this episode:Get the Character Arc Worksheet: alicesudlow.com/characterworksheetEp. 18: 2 Essential Questions to Craft a Compelling Character ArcTHE LAST GRADUATE by Naomi NovikSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

In this episode, the host and guest dive into a real-life scene edit. They discuss the process of developmental editing, including specific recommendations and questions asked. They touch on the nerves associated with working with an editor and the value of editing sessions. Key moments include the importance of knowing the purpose of the novel, analyzing the scene's atmosphere and character desires, creating tension and conflict, and the significance of turning points and decision-making in storytelling.

Have you ever wanted to quit your book?Here’s the good news, and the bad news: that’s a normal part of the book writing process.Every writer I know has struggled to make it through the middle of their novel. They’ve all been tempted to quit the book they’re currently working on and start over with a better story idea.So if you’re feeling ready to ditch this book idea and start writing something better . . .. . . you’re not alone.Before you quit, though, I want to share a few truths with you.Your book idea isn’t the problem.Quitting this book won’t make the next book easier.You have what it takes to finish—and it’s worth seeing this book through to the end.Don’t believe me? Hit play and find out what I told a writer recently who emailed me to ask whether she should quit her book.Then, get back to writing!You’ve got this. And I’m cheering you on the whole way through!Links mentioned in the episode:Ep. 4: 10 Productivity Tips to Finish Writing Your First Draft FasterEp. 5: 11 Creativity Tips to Finish Writing Your First Draft FasterEp. 6: 3 Speedy Strategies to Edit Your Novel FasterEp. 7: 7 More Speedy Strategies to Edit Your Novel FasterSend me a Text Message!Want my support in your revision?In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.Get started by telling me about your story here. Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »