How To Edit A Rough Draft || My Editing Process

You finished a rough draft: Now what?? I know so many of us struggle with how to take our first draft from where it is now to where we want it to be.
I hope some of the process I share here in this video will be helpful, but there is so much deeper we can go! Subscribe, like, and comment below if you want to see more detailed series on edits or story structure!
Links Mentioned:
Sign up for my newsletter and get ALL of my free workbooks and resources here: heartbreathings.com/newsletter/
Text to Speech: www.naturalreaders.com/
My How To Plot Your Novel Video Series: • How To Plot Your Novel
How To Edit Your Novel Series: • How To Edit Your Novel
How To Develop Your Story Idea Into A Novel: • How To Develop Your St...
How To Write A Series: • How To Plan & Write A ...
Great Scenes Series: • Writing Great Scenes
Specifically the Index Card video is here: • How To Structure Scene...
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
1:49 Editing Your Draft
5:22 Trusting Yourself
8:21 Post-Draft Braindump
9:41 Big Picture
13:31 Identify Turning Points
21:18 Scene By Scene
28:29 Fill In Gaps
29:43 Line By Line
33:25 Listen Through
34:39 Beta Readers
36:44 Copy Edits
37:23 Proofread
39:00 Final Thoughts
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Heart Breathings, Episode 417
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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 26 books and sold well over half a million copies.
I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.
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#writers #authortube

[@jasonbrazier2864]

28 novels ..... just take in what an accomplishment that. congratulations!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you Jason!

[@AlexVeeGee]

Absolutely LOVE your How to Plot a Novel series! It was a total game changer for me, and I can't thank you enough! I still watch those videos regularly, haha. I would love a new and updated version. 🙏😍

[@reneestrength23]

I would agree, I would love to see an updated one!!!

[@literalbri3202]

I'd also love to see an updated version!

[@amandasibilia572]

Omgosh, yes to an updated version of how to plot your novel. I love the series as it is but it’s always so fun to hear about your writing process, Sarra. Congratulations on your 28th book!! You are an inspiration for me. 🌞 🌈 🦄

[@cherylfish8931]

Sarra, I am love seeing you so enthusiastic and happy about writing again. Congratulations on finishing the first draft of you new book :). I would love to see a new plotting series, and maybe add in a few tips on multiple POV. There is so little information on writing a novel with multiple POV's and you do it so well.

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes, thank you!! Good ideas!

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

I'm not sure if this would be enough for a video series but I would love something about pacing and character arc. Also I'm super stoked for your editing vlogs. Editing is scary and can be overwhelming but seeing different approaches is helpful. Thanks Sarra!

[@kokoro_flow]

Yes! Pacing & Character Arc are kinda tricky for me, too.

[@angelabublitz5912]

Character Arcs! Yes, please

[@WritterElenaNicole]

I would absolutely love an undated version of your Plot Your Novel! Pretty much every time I start a new book or when I’m brainstorming a novel I go back to your workbook!

[@keltavuokko]

A thought that popped up when you mentioned text to speech services, and this is about any service online where you'd upload your text (be particularly careful if the service is free): always read the terms of service etc. How long they will keep your text, what they will do with it, what you give permissions for by accepting the terms, etc. Just a reminder for everyone. :) Thank you Sarra for another great video!

[@angelabublitz5912]

I love your Plot Your Novel series, but I am 100% here for an updated version!

[@Karina-cp9zs]

Yay, this is in time, because I'm finishing my rough draft now!

[@HeartBreathings]

Woohoo, congrats Karina!

[@nadineduerksen6556]

yes I would love to see an up dated one.

[@KHWriting]

Congrats again! I would absolutely love updated video series on Plotting Your Novel, with a video focused on a novel in the middle of a series and not the first book as a great addition. I liked all the ideas you mentioned in this video for videos. All your teaching videos are so helpful, so I'm always eager to sit in your virtual KZbin classroom.😂 I've just started my draft, so when I'm done I'll see if I need to go through each of these steps too. 😅

[@HeartBreathings]

Such a good idea! It's so hard to find information on how a sequel or series is structured!

[@avrilobnubile]

your videos have become my happy place these past few weeks, I appreciate your passion and advices so much! I'm currently drafting the second book in a trilogy, which can be daunting but thanks to you, I've solidified my outline and have been feeling more confident about the whole process. congratulations on finishing this rough draft 🥰 I hope you have a beautiful week

[@HeartBreathings]

I am so happy to hear this! You're doing great!

[@moretogigi]

I’d love to see more videos on conflict ❤

[@fayliddel]

Yes yes yes to all the update videos, especially the beta reader one! You are literally a god send! Your videos are amazing and you have inspired so many people. Keep smashing it! ❤

[@janealizee]

I'm so happy for you Sarra, congrats on the rough draft! You really deserve the world

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you!

[@LoganSchwartz]

Oh my gosh, yes! An updated plotting series would be wonderful. I've gone through and watched that playlist so many times now. Any time I start to doubt myself on my writing, I like to listen along to your advice and sort of refresh. Thanks again for all the wonderful information you've released for free. :D

[@authormaryalight]

First of all; you look astonishing! Second; thank you for this video, it's was just what I needed to get me out the edit-block, turns out, there isn't just a writers block.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much! And yes, you're right about that! I think edits can be tough to figure out sometimes!

[@AccessMentorTips]

I LOVE everything you do, but a new series on How to Plot a Novel would be amazing!

[@marleynh7001]

Thank you my queen 👸🏽 You ARE the teacher of writing!!! I love everything you are willing to share with us and to teach us. I'm here for it all. ❤

[@HeartBreathings]

This is so kind, thank you for your support!

[@msmwriter]

Writing the book is daunting, but editing seems even more daunting. I like the way you make the entire process fun, and that's how I plan to look at it. I would love an updated version of how to plot your novel, and really, any and all videos about writing. I'm always rewatching your old videos. 😊 I had mentioned previously that I was working on my new study (writing/reading room). It's finished! I posted about it in the Heartbreathings Community, with a link to my KZbin and the video I made. I'm so excited and happy in my soul to have a dedicated space for my passions in life.

[@HeartBreathings]

That's so exciting! Can't wait to take a look at your space.

[@hopeberryhomestead]

Yes please absolutely would love to see the new notebook and all the things you are using.

[@releko10]

I’d love an updated Plot Your Novel series! I enjoyed your original one and it would be cool to see how your process has evolved!

[@jenller]

I got 2 rough drafts waiting for me to edit, i needed this video!

[@HeartBreathings]

That's exciting!

[@sapphiresquire]

This video made me realize that my brain is trying to be in edit-fix-it mode while I'm working on the zero/first drafts! Very helpful - just gotta keep telling myself it's not time for that yet.

[@shelbyanderson3304]

I love watching these, and I’m so excited for the vlogs!! (But yes, I would be ecstatic for a plot your novel update)

[@nohea_robertson]

Yes I would love an updated plotting video! Your videos are so inspiring and I am grateful to be a part of your Hearties group! 😊💕

[@carnelias1]

Yes, I want to love to see updated process, Thanks, ❤

[@impracticalmagic9376]

This has been sooooo helpful. I've been so stuck after finishing my first draft, this gives me a starting point, something I've been overwhelmed with! And, I would love an updated series on plotting etc. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@sarah_c_brody]

Thank you for this. I'm right in the middle of editing so this was very helpful. I'd love to see an update of your plotting method and more about betas.

[@bethcox3226]

Thanka so much for this look into your editing process. An updated look at your plotting and writing process would be great!

[@katiemaier2782]

Thank you for this! I've been kind of struggling starting to edit my first draft. I keep diving straight into the line editing when I need to focus on the developmental stuff. I'm definitely going to map mine out on paper. I think it will really help seeing it all in one place. Right now it's in my head/multiple places online. 😅

[@jamiemassengill5351]

I would love to see a video on ARC readers and what their purpose is. I know the purpose of Beta Readers, but when I see authors/writers asking people to sign up for their "ARC Team", I get confused. So, if you could do a video on ARC Readers, their purpose, and ARC Teams, I would appreciate it so much! You have so much wisdom on this stuff, and I just want to thank you for sharing it with us and helping out. Thanks, Sarra! 💜☺️👍🏻🥰

[@maureenp2248]

ARC readers are people who read the book and post reviews/publicize the book right before it is published.

[@maryearly3259]

Congradulations on 28 novels. I too would love an updated Plot your novel series! I would also love more vids on writing itself like what you mention, tension, backstory, ect.!!

[@elizabethdelafield7533]

Love your videos! I'm happy with anything you're interested in sharing with us!

[@JennatheSoulWriter]

Thank you for this clarity! As always, you are a light in the dark. Thank you!

[@TraycL]

Love this! Looking forward to reading Vanessa Shaw. 🙂 I’d love an updated plotting video as well. 💜

[@thecherrybluehouse]

I always look forward to your videos ❤ and can't wait to read TDOVS!

[@railandis15]

would love an updated version!!!

[@rayboydstun1626]

I love organization but I don't have it when writing, editing, translating, etcetera. I just "GO!" 😆🤣I will just write in a notebook. Later when I type from the notebook I will edit it. (In the past I would edit later but I'm different now). I can tell when a chapter begins and ends by "feeling" as the story goes along. I like how you teach what you do.

[@kwgrqog]

Hey, Sarra! Long time viewer, first time comment. Thank you so much for pouring back into the community. I'm still new to writing, and focus mostly on sci-fi and fantasy. Your videos have been amazingly helpful in getting me started and moving forward. You rock!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for commenting! And I'm so happy it's been supportive for you!

[@CanyonHolgate]

Congratulations on finishing the rough draft of TDOVS! I would love to see an updated version of How to Plot Your Novel. Your videos are amazing & so helpful to me as a new and aspiring author.

[@jenniferadam2258]

Huge congratulations on completing the draft! And thanks so much for sharing your process. I love hearing how other authors handle revisions and I always pick up new tricks.😊

[@heathermarie1322]

Thank you for this! It's perfect timing for me as I am about to begin editing.

[@chelseamcampbell]

Love this video! You always have such encouraging, insightful things to say. And I wanted to tell you that I only set three writing goals at the beginning of the year, based on what you said in one of your videos, and I've now accomplished all of them and the year isn't even half over! It feels great. Thank you for all that you do!

[@junetakey]

I would love to see an updated version of your process!!😍

[@tampagirl7533]

Loved your video! Yes, please redo all of the videos for editing with the lessons that you’ve learned now after seven more books!!! I will be watching every single one of them and making my notes!! you are such a great teacher and I really appreciate all you do to help us!! ❤

[@roisinanson24]

Omg yes to the new how to plot your novel, please! Congratulations on completing your 28th novel’s first draft! 🎉

[@michellem7225]

Such perfect timing on this video! I finished the rough draft of my first fiction novel a couple of weeks ago and very soon I will be diving into edits. I always value your experience and advice. Yes, I would love an updated version of the Plot Your Novel series! I so happy and excited for you Sarra and I’m so glad you are getting your writing spark back. Can’t wait to read this one!

[@jessrogers4227]

It’s really helpful to hear someone put editing in perspective. The ice sculpture comparison was a wonderful way to look at it…big picture! Thanks for sharing your process. 😊

[@samanthaspenser457]

Thank you so much for this video--it is so helpful! I would love updated videos!!

[@nikkiguerlain]

Congrats on finishing your novel! ❤❤❤

[@mel_9346]

I've just discovered you and I LOVE THIS!!! it has a lot of helpful advice, as you say I don't think I will follow each step but it definitely sparked inspiration for my revision process. Thank you! I would definitely enjoy an updated version of your plotting process since I'm going to outline a new series this June

[@hollychristensen2669]

I love how you teach and am forever grateful to you for sharing your knowledge. I follow you like a personal mentor, and it's helped me go for my dreams. Thank you! Video idea? Plotting for multiple POV!

[@HeartBreathings]

Love it, thank you!

[@nicholewatson8452]

I absolutely love these videos and would love more.

[@caramullaney2043]

A really useful and informative video. I love your plot your novel video series and i return to it and rewatch it pretty much every time I'm starting work on a new book. I would love an updated version also.

[@mlbullbooks]

Really neat! I like the concept of making a small plot line for a guide. I also love using Naturereader too. So helpful!

[@fungalpanda9781]

Needed this so bad! Thank you Sarra :)

[@richards512]

You are always so fun and helpful.

[@jazzavalon5105]

Thank you so much for this video Sarra! I'm about to dive in the first edits after a zero draft, and this video is so helpful cuz i am now going to make that kind of outline after a reread as my next step, its great to see clearly all the most important points that the story needs and weather you've got them!

[@cl_shaner]

if you have the time and task blocks... I would absolutely love an updated plot a novel series.

[@Srivastavahn]

This was really helpful. Thanks so much!

[@legalgirl1313]

Excellent example with the ice sculpture 💪💪💓

[@susanmason8474]

So happy to find you! I'd love to see videos on all aspects of your process. Beta readers and finding an editor would be particularly of interest. Thanks!

[@HeartBreathings]

Great thank you for the feedback!!

[@user-zr1ss1rr3m]

I would love to have an updated Plot Your Novel series. :)

[@A2Zandeverything]

I absolutely lost it & cried when you completed your novel in your last vid, was so happy for you. TY for this jam packed tutorial! It's really helpful seeing other peoples process. I am a real visual learner and love to SEE and immerse myself to get a feel for things.

[@cassandraschmidt5759]

This was so helpful! And inspiring! I wrote my first draft two years ago…I can’t believe it’s been THAT long…I loved the creating. But no idea how to “cut my darlings” without a massacre. I have been slowly reading craft books on Editing. To say, I am overwhelmed and stuck is understatement. I am really excited to watch you edit your novel. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I’m always excited to see whatever you put out. I would be interested in learning your views on tension and pacing.

[@cassandraschmidt5759]

Btw, your hair looks great! I don’t know if you colored it differently or if it’s because it’s straighten, but it’s a good look on you.

[@lexmartin3420]

I'd love an updated plotting series! The first collection is great, but I'd love to see what you're doing now and how you're incorporating new techniques. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@KaceyEzellWriterLife]

I literally use your "plot your novel" workbook for every novel/story I start, and have done so for a couple of years now. I LOVE it. I would love an updated version. Thank you so much!

[@cindykline9379]

This was great, Sarra. Thank you! Would love to see updated videos on plotting. For me, that's the most difficult part!

[@janvier882]

Fantastic video! I would love to see an updated version. 😀

[@tonyaroche7733]

Thank you for your wonderful videos. I need to watch this again (when I’m not getting interruptions) so I can take better notes. 🙂❤

[@heatherkirchhoffwritesya]

This was so helpful. I'm definitely going to try this when I start editing my next book. 💚

[@E.M.Luminations]

Thank you so much for this invaluable advice! I would love an updated plot your novel ❤❤

[@gintzudai2979]

So nice to see you feeling energized and happy.😍 This was great - I took notes all throughout the video - and I can't wait to continue this series. Thanks for doing this.🙏

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for watching!

[@melaniemorphy]

I’m starting the plotting process, I’d LOVE to see your process!

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@phoenixambrosecchia8421]

would love an updated series!!!

[@mizzkain]

Congrats on finishing this first draft! I’d love an updated Plotting series of videos. I’m still working on a draft I’ve had in my brain for about twelve years…. I still haven’t finished it! The muddy middle gets me every time!

[@CompassBlue]

Thanks so much for sharing. You are a wonderful resource. I finished my first draft in January and have had some false starts with editing. I think I’d benefit from laying out my scenes and finding the gaps

[@rachelcarter3357]

Your videos have been so helpful for me. Hoping to publish a book this summer and keep writing and publishing after!

[@thevampirelock]

I'd love an updated version of plotting your novel!

[@johanna5610]

Thank you for this video. Everything about plotting, editing and writing is very welcome. I learn so much from you. I read some of the craftbooks you mentioned, but I learn morefrom your videos. Good luck with your book.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!

[@JessicaNWheeler]

Yes a new series on plotting a novel, also how to plot a series would be great! Also I love Natural Reader I was using it during Jenna's sprints on Friday to listen to what I have so far because I'm doing a writer reset, and I need to regain control of my story.

[@kokoro_flow]

This video was timely for me because I'm rewriting my screenplays. I would love to see an updated video series on How To Plot Your Novel, and I'd also like to see the other videos you mentioned you could do (e.g., Tension, Backstory, Conflict, etc). Thank you, Sarra! :D

[@CatherineWinslow-pt3yp]

Love your videos

[@jessicagentry6379]

Congradulations 🎉

[@soniarodriguez2072]

You look amazing!

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

Woot motivation for me 😅 I am slowly planning scenes to add to my draft but I'm sure after school is done I'll get more energy for writing as all the end of the year things are draining me😅

[@SarahHualde]

I have watched your plot a novel series before every first draft I've written in the past 4 years. That's over 13 times. Another version would rock 😮 but isn't a must. 😊

[@ms.bernadetteteacherfortod6519]

Excited about following this. I love to write but big projects seem overwhelming. I would love to have a process that helps me break it down into smaller challenges.

[@tashagaines8458]

So stinking helpful! I finished my first draft during NaNo and I’ve been dreading editing bc it’s a hot mess 😂 Thank you for a visual strategy and a guided direction! ❤❤

[@demiejoanne]

Omg. I saw you at my work yesterday and I couldn’t say hi. 😢 I love your videos. You’re one of the reasons I keep writing like i do.😊

[@jaynamorrowwrites]

I would love to see your editing process in action!

[@karentroester148]

I would love any updated series of videos.

[@caitlinchapman2340]

I would also love and updated version of How to Plot a Novel!!!!!!

[@saritaschaffter2133]

This is helpful as I always struggled with editing. ( I’m unpublished and 25) I have a clear idea of how I want my debut story to end. But the drafting process is different that what I envisioned.

[@enomisnekal4122]

Thank you! I am going to do that plot outline. It clicked with my brain because I'm adding in another POV, and I want to see where it makes sense to insert it. I had been going through and line editing and just adding in scenes and getting frustrated. I was trying to do two things at once.

[@christyt3520]

Yes please help!!

[@big.word.energy8569]

I REALLY want more information about your plotting wall! How you do it, the methodology, when you put stuff on it--I've been really curious!

[@josieann4390]

💜💜