You finished your first draft. That’s great, but it’s only the start. The bad news is that you’ve got to do a lot more work to whip that first draft into shape. The good news is that your book is as bad as it will ever be.
Before you move ahead, analyze the manuscript in detail. That’s hard to do right now, when you’ve devoted hours and agony to getting this draft done. As hard as it is, you need to step away from the manuscript.
Step away for a week
You need to see your manuscript with fresh eyes. Otherwise, the emotional connection you have to your writing can keep you from changing it.
I recommend stepping away for at least a week. More would be fine. During that time, you can do other work that will help your book project move along. You can work on the marketing and sales plans. You can make lists of potential endorsers. Just don’t work on the manuscript.
Validate the reader’s transformation
Make sure you’re clear about who is going to read this book and why. Make sure you’re clear about the difference implementing your ideas can make in their life.
Audit the structural flow
Block out your book chapter by chapter. Sketch in the key points each chapter makes and the stories, examples, and research support for each point.
Pay attention to how the chapters flow. One effective way to do that is to write out the transition from one chapter to another and include them in your analysis. If the transition is hard, rework the ideas or change their order.
Hunt for content gaps
Find the places where you need more examples or research. Look for duplications, too.
Create a revision work plan
Before you move ahead, create a work plan for your next draft. Here are some questions to consider.
What can you eliminate without losing meaning or impact?
What should be added?
Do you need to change the order of any of your chapters?
How could each chapter be improved?
I know you’ll think of others. When you’ve got your first draft out of your head and onto a page, you can start to work with it to make it better. Great books are the result of lots of thoughtful revision.
~
Most authors worry about the quality of their book. I will give a detailed review of your manuscript and coaching so you gain confidence and clarity to make your book a success. Contact me today to get started.