How Do You Know When You're Done Editing Your Novel?

Your Next Draft

Is your novel ready to publish? Here’s how to tell when you’re finally done editing.
One of the hardest parts of writing a book is knowing when to let go.
After all, you don’t want to write just any book. You want to write something amazing!
But at the same time, you could tinker with your manuscript forever, always finding something new to change. And if you’re always editing . . . well, you’ll never publish.
So how do you know when you’re done?
This question is really personal, and it differs from writer to writer and editor to editor. Your answer might be different from mine, and that’s okay!
In this episode, I’m going to share the strategies I use to help my clients know when their books are done.
You’ll learn:

• 9 questions to see whether your book is ready to publish (yes, I made a checklist!)
• The one MOST important factor that can help you decide
• Who has the final say over when your book is done (hint: it’s you!)
• What to do if you’re a perfectionist who struggles to let creative projects go (like me 🙋🏻‍♀️)
• And more!

Be sure to grab the checklist I created to help you determine when your book is ready to publish. Get the checklist here »
I also mention several other episodes of Your Next Draft that will help you further explore the nine questions I ask in this episode. Listen to those episodes at the links below.
Also, I'd love to know how YOU know when you're done! Head over to this post on Instagram or this post on Facebook and leave a comment to share.
Links mentioned in the episode:

• Get the Finished Book Checklist: alicesudlow.com/done-checklist
• Ep. 24: 5 Ways to Get Feedback on Your Writing for Free
• Ep. 21: How to Identify Your Protagonist's Want and Need (And Why Those Matter to Your Plot)

Send me a Text Message!

Get Your FREE Un-Put-Down-Able Scene Revision Worksheet

Make every page of your novel un-put-down-able with the Scene Revision Worksheet.
12 simple, but powerful questions will show you exactly where your scenes are working—and where they’re going off the rails.
Plus, a bonus 3-day email mini-course will show you how to use the worksheet to edit your scenes.
Get the worksheet + mini-course »

Support the Show.

Want more editing tips and resources? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

And if you're enjoying the podcast, would you mind leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? That helps more writers find these editing resources. And it helps me know what's helpful to you so I can create more episodes you'll love!
Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »