Your Next Draft
Supporting fiction writers doing the hard work of revising unputdownable novels. The novel editing process is the creative crucible where you discover the story you truly want to tell—and it can present some of the most challenging moments on your writing journey.
Developmental editor and book coach Alice Sudlow will be your companion through the mess and magic of revision. You’ll get inspired by interviews with authors, editors, and coaches sharing their revision processes; gain practical tips from Alice’s editing practice; and hear what real revision truly requires as Alice workshops scenes-in-progress with writers.
It’s all a quest to discover: How do you figure out what your story is truly about? How do you determine what form that story should take? And once you do, how do you shape the hundreds of thousands of words you've written into the story’s most refined and powerful form?
If you’ve written a draft—or three—but are still searching for your story’s untapped potential, this is the podcast for you. Together, let’s dig into the difficult and delightful work of editing your next draft.
Your Next Draft
Use This One Editing Tip for Everything You Write
How to developmentally edit absolutely ANY piece of writing.
There’s an editing tip that applies to literally every kind of writing.
Bold statement, I know. But I stand by it.
Actually, “tip” is understating the matter. This “tip” is actually a mission-critical principle. It’s essential to every writing project.
Also, it’s my current favorite writing and editing tool. Lately, I’ve been using this every single time I sit down to write something new, and every time I open up a draft to edit.
What is this writing tip, you ask? Well, that's the topic of this episode.
In the episode, you’ll learn:
- 4 problems you’ll face when you don’t use this tip
- 3 ways this tip will make your writing better (and easier!)
- Why this tip might be so darn hard to actually apply (hint: it’s fear)
- How I used this exact tip to write this podcast episode
- And more! (Like, you know, what the tip is!)
This episode is extra-special—and not just because I love this editing tip.
Today, Your Next Draft hits a major milestone: fifty episodes!
Would you celebrate with me by leaving a rating and review?
Here’s how:
- If you’re using an Apple device, tap right here to open the podcast.
- Scroll down nearly to the bottom.
- Tap the number of stars you’d like to give.
- Write a quick review. Even one sentence means a lot!
If you’re not using an Apple device, feel free to send me an email at alice@alicesudlow.com and tell me what you love about the podcast. We’ll have a party in my email inbox!
Here’s to fifty more! 🎉
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Join my email list and get my free guide to edit your novel: alicesudlow.com/10steps
- Ep. 36: Your Story Has Deep Meaning. Do You Know What It Is?
Want my support in your revision?
In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
Get started by telling me about your story here.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
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