I finished the first draft of my novel. Now what?

You could take a break and then come back to it with fresh eyes for a revision.

First, you should take a break from it. Let some time pass, maybe a week or two. This gives you a fresh perspective when you come back to it. Then, start the process of self - editing. Look for plot holes, character inconsistencies, and grammar or spelling mistakes.

First, revise for plot coherence. Make sure the story flows well and there are no gaping holes. Second, work on character development. Characters should be well - rounded and believable. Third, edit for language, grammar, and style. This makes the prose smooth and engaging.

After the first draft of your novel, it's a good idea to get some feedback. Share it with a few trusted friends or writing groups. They can point out things you might have missed, like unclear passages or parts that didn't engage them as much as they should.

To improve the plot after finishing the first draft, think about your characters' goals and motivations. Make sure they are clear and that the plot events are driving the characters towards achieving or failing their goals. Also, consider adding some twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Maybe introduce a new character who throws a wrench into the existing situation. Another important thing is to ensure there is a clear build - up to the climax and a satisfying resolution at the end.

Look at the overall structure of your novel. Does it have a strong beginning, middle, and end? If the story feels disjointed or the pacing is off, you may need to re - arrange some scenes or add more transitional elements to make the flow smoother. Another aspect is to ensure that the themes you intended to convey are coming through clearly in the text.

First, read it through objectively. Look for major plot holes, inconsistent characters, or unclear themes. Then, start by fixing the plot structure. Make sure the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, if your first draft jumps around too much, re - order the events to create a more logical flow.

First, print it out. It's easier to mark up on paper. Look for overused words like 'just' or 'very' and cut them. Also, check for continuity in the timeline. Then, read each chapter separately and ask yourself if it contributes to the overall story arc.

One way to enhance your skills in editing the first draft of a novel is to take online courses or attend writing workshops. These can provide in - depth knowledge about the editing process. Also, keep a journal of your editing process. Note down the mistakes you commonly make and how you plan to avoid them in the future. When you start editing, break the task into smaller parts. For example, first focus on the plot, then on the characters, and finally on the language. This way, you can be more methodical and thorough in your editing.

Read a lot of well - edited novels. This helps you internalize what good writing and editing look like. For example, you can study how famous authors handle character arcs and plot twists. Another way is to get feedback from others. Join a writing group or ask a friend who reads a lot. They can point out things you might have missed. Also, practice regularly. Edit different types of writing, not just your novel.