Writing & Editing Your Novel

A Resource Roundup from Inkdrop Lit

 

Welcome!

I’ve created this page because of two things I know to be true:

  1. Many of the authors who find their way here want to know what it takes to write a publication-worthy novel.

  2. My website and blog have a lot of great resources that will help you, but without a little guidance, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This page is meant to be your guide to the “greatest hits” of resources I have to offer, as well as your all-in-one-place overview of what writing and revising your novel requires

For each stage of the process, I’ve provided a brief introduction and then added links to resources that will guide you further. Where possible, I’ve sent you to resources I created myself. Where I feel like you could benefit from someone else’s input, I’ve sent you to third-party resources that I’ve vetted and I trust. Whether mine or someone else’s, most of these resources are free, a few are for purchase, and all are worth investigating.

If you like what you see, subscribe to my newsletter to receive more like it in your inbox on a regular basis. And, as always, feel free to reach out any time to tell me what you’re working on and discuss how I can support you in achieving your writing goals.

Happy writing!

 

The First Draft

Perhaps it goes without saying, but the first step to publishing a book is getting your story down on the page. From generating ideas to getting to know your characters to building the structure of the story, here are a set of resources to help you out with what might just be the most difficult step in the process:

 

Editing & Revision

Of course, there are plenty of authors who would argue that the hardest part isn’t getting that first draft down — it’s all of the editing and revision that comes next. Whether you’re self-editing, looking for a professional editor, or asking beta readers for feedback (and I truly think you should do all three), these resources should help you wade through the depths — and hopefully even have a little fun.

 

After the Manuscript

As you get your manuscript close to the finish line, your publishing goals will determine your next steps. While I can help guide you in this area (e.g., putting your team together if you’re self-publishing, polishing your query letter if you’re going the traditional route) I rely first on Jane Friedman’s insights for all things publishing. Here she is on what it takes to be traditionally published, and on self-publishing. I am happy to help you find the right track for your book (and point you toward people smarter than me on elements I don’t know as much about), but I hope these links will get you started.

 

Heads up!
Links from this page to Bookshop.Org are affiliate links, meaning that if you follow one of them and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.