Beyond the First Draft

BEYOND THE FIRST DRAFT supplies the tools to understand and polish every aspect of the novel. How do you escalate work from good to great, from a manuscript to a published novel? This comprehensive, accessible book offers not only tips and techniques, but encouragement and motivation.

How often do writers say, “What’s wrong, and how do I fix it?” As a writing instructor, novelist, and writing coach, Laurel Yourke realizes that the number of writers starved for knowledge of craft is countless.

Decades of first-hand experience inspired BEYOND THE FIRST DRAFT. What makes fiction work? Revision! And superficial revision only wastes time. The real transformation begins when the writer examines and reworks the deep structure of scenario, scene, and sentence. Analysis, illustrations, checklists, charts, and exercises help the writer to diagnose the issues directly pertinent to a particular manuscript. Of the many writing guides on the market today, none use this combination of myths and tips to promote clarity and practicality. And since revision can feel overwhelming, the book urges writers not only to assess weaknesses, but to capitalize on individual strengths.