The Complete Guide to Using Beta Readers
Writing, Revision Jana Van der Veer Writing, Revision Jana Van der Veer

The Complete Guide to Using Beta Readers

Once you’ve made your revisions, you’re going to want to get some eyes on the manuscript. You need people whose opinion you can trust to give honest feedback about what is working and what isn’t, so you can make any final revisions before sending it off to agents or editors.

What is a beta read?

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The 10 Point Checklist for Novel Revision
Writing, Craft, Revision Jana Van der Veer Writing, Craft, Revision Jana Van der Veer

The 10 Point Checklist for Novel Revision

This week I have set aside as a writing retreat to finally finish this draft of the Middle Grade Novel That Never Ends.

Honestly, that’s how it’s beginning to feel. I’ve got to get it out to readers soon, because I’ve lost perspective. I’ve been hammering away at it too long. This is a natural part of the writing process, but it is starting to feel like a slog. I wrote in my journal this morning, “I am so done with this novel.” But... it needs a little more work before I can send it off. The beginning, especially, is a mess.

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What to Do When You’re Stuck in Your Story
Writing, Revision, Inspiration Jana Van der Veer Writing, Revision, Inspiration Jana Van der Veer

What to Do When You’re Stuck in Your Story

This week, I’m feeling stuck in my manuscript revision. I have some big decisions to make that will affect the rest of the story. I have ideas, but they will take the story in different directions. I’m feeling bogged down and anxious as to which direction will make the most sense and be the most interesting for the story.

Which just goes to show, even when there’s a plan for editing your book, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose focus.

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The Next Step for Revision – Create Your As-Is and Revised Story Maps
Writing, Revision, Craft Jana Van der Veer Writing, Revision, Craft Jana Van der Veer

The Next Step for Revision – Create Your As-Is and Revised Story Maps

Once you’ve read through your manuscript and answered all the questions from last week’s post, you need to make a plan for actually doing the revision.

No, it’s not time to start writing yet! At this point, you’ve probably identified a bunch of issues you need to deal with. Questions to be resolved, decisions to be made, scenes to be combined/added/changed/deleted. Characters to be combined or cut. You get the idea.

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The Stoplight Method for Revision, Part III: Green Light Issues
Writing, Revision, Craft Jana Van der Veer Writing, Revision, Craft Jana Van der Veer

The Stoplight Method for Revision, Part III: Green Light Issues

Finally, we come to dealing with Green Light issues in your draft! For the past two weeks, I’ve talked about Red Light issues (the big-picture, foundational changes you need to make) and Yellow Light issues (the somewhat complex but more manageable issues you need to resolve). Now you’re ready to deal with the stuff that will really make your manuscript shine.

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