Novel Editing: 10 Steps to Editing Your First Draft

Congratulations! You've finished writing your first draft—an achievement that puts you ahead of countless aspiring writers who never make it past the dreaming stage. 

But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "What next?" 

Maybe you've tried jumping straight into revisions only to find yourself overwhelmed, confused, or just plain stuck. Or maybe you’re just avoiding it altogether.

If your excitement about finishing your draft has given way to editing anxiety, you're not alone. Every author—even the most seasoned professionals—reaches this crossroads, where the path forward seems foggy at best.

Here's the truth: editing isn't just about fixing grammar or tweaking sentences. It's the vital process that elevates your rough draft into a polished manuscript readers won't want to put down.

And the difference between published and unpublished writers often isn't talent or ideas—it's the willingness to embrace this critical evolution of their work.

Because behind every published novel are countless hours of revision. 

Most first drafts lose at least 10% of their content during editing—if not more. Words, sentences, and even whole chapters might be cut, rearranged, or completely reimagined before the book reaches its final form. 

So, where do you start when it comes to editing your first draft?

Well, before you dive into your revisions, I want you to take a break away from your manuscript. Why? Your manuscript needs time to settle in your mind. 

Stepping away for at least two weeks—preferably a month—gives you the mental distance necessary to return with fresh eyes. This will allow you to approach your story as a reader rather than as the creator who knows every plot twist and character motivation by heart.

Then, once you've given yourself that necessary breathing room, it’s time to get to work. Here are ten manageable steps that will take you from that messy first draft to a manuscript you're proud to share.

Pay special attention to Step 4 because it's arguably the most crucial part of editing that most writers skip entirely. Yet, it's the secret to making your revision process smooth rather than chaotic.

10 Steps To Editing Your Novel:

1. Shift Your Mindset From Author to Editor
2. Read Your Entire Draft Without Making Edits
3. Create a Reverse Outline to Map What You Actually Wrote
4. Create Your Strategic Revision Plan
5. Execute the Big-Picture "Story-Level" Edits for Your Second Draft
6. Get Fresh Eyes on Your Manuscript
7. Strategically Incorporate Feedback into Your Revision Plan
8. Polish Your Scenes for Maximum Impact in Your Third Draft
9. Perfect Your Prose in Your Fourth Draft
10. Choose Your Publishing Path and Final Polishing Steps

Step #1: Shift Your Mindset From Author to Editor

Editing requires a completely different mindset than writing, so the very first step —before you touch a single word—is to get in the right headspace. 

When drafting, you were creating—letting ideas flow organically, getting to know your characters, and allowing your story to unfold on a scene-by-scene basis.

Editing, however, is analytical. You're examining what you've created, determining what works and what doesn't, and making strategic decisions about changes.

Many writers struggle with this transition because they remain emotionally attached to their words. They resist cutting beautiful passages that don't serve the story or hold onto characters that need reimagining.

But here’s the thing many first-time writers don’t know…

Great stories are made in revisions. A brilliant idea poorly executed remains just that—brilliant but poorly executed. Meanwhile, a solid idea expertly refined through editing can become extraordinary. 

Consider the books you love. They didn’t arrive in the world fully formed. They were sculpted through multiple rounds of feedback and careful revision.

PRO TIP: Create a physical ritual that helps you transition from writer to editor mode. Something as simple as changing your workspace, putting on your favorite playlist, or lighting a candle can signal your brain it's time to shift from creator to critic.

Step #2: Read Your Entire Draft Without Making Edits

With your editor's mindset in place, it's time to read your manuscript from start to finish—but here's the catch: no editing allowed. 

Why? Because it allows you to experience your manuscript as a whole—much like your future readers will. 

This perspective reveals the forest instead of just individual trees. Many major problems in novels aren't obvious when you're focused on individual sentences or scenes but become glaringly apparent when you experience the complete narrative flow.

Many first-time authors skip this kind of “hands-off’ read-through and dive into their edits too soon, fixing comma splices and rewording sentences before they've even assessed the overall story. This is a big mistake!

This kind of piecemeal approach leads to wasted effort when you later discover that entire sections need to be cut or completely rewritten.

So, here’s what I recommend doing…

Print your manuscript (if possible), or export it to a different format like a PDF or any kind of e-reader. The goal of changing formats like this is to make it as difficult as possible for you to edit as you go—and it forces you to simply experience the story as a reader would.

Now, although I don’t recommend editing while you read, I do recommend making note of your gut reactions—where you're confused, bored, excited, or emotionally moved. These instinctive responses are gold because they're exactly what your future readers will experience.

PRO TIP: Don't trust your memory for this! The insights you gain during this read-through are easily forgotten if you don't capture them immediately. A simple coding system like "P" for plot issues or "C" for character problems can help organize your thoughts without interrupting your reading flow. You can also use different colored highlighters for this exercise as well.

Step #3: Create a Reverse Outline to Map What You Actually Wrote

With your completed read-through and notes in hand, the next step is to create a reverse outline of your manuscript. 

A reverse outline is exactly what it sounds like—a scene-by-scene outline of your entire story created after you’ve written it (think of it like outlining in reverse!).

Unlike the outline you might have created before writing (if you even outlined at all), a reverse outline reflects exactly what you actually wrote. This step helps to reveal the true structure of your story rather than the one you intended or imagined. 

Because here’s the thing…

Even the most detailed plotters discover their stories evolved during drafting, often in ways they didn't consciously recognize. 

A reverse outline exposes these changes—for better or worse.

Here’s an example of what I mean…

A few years ago, I worked with a mystery author who couldn't figure out how to make her story work the way she wanted it to. She had enlisted the help of several beta readers, and although they thought her plot was entertaining and her characters were well-written, they felt like the big reveal came out of nowhere at the end. 

The first thing I had her do when we started working together was create a reverse outline—and I asked her to track the clues and red herrings throughout the outline. 

What she discovered is that there was a gap of about 200 pages between where the clue was first mentioned and the big reveal. She hadn't been able to identify this issue before because she was so in the weeds of her story.

This is something I see happen all the time—but especially with first-time authors.

And this is why reverse outlines are so powerful. They reveal things you can’t see because you’re too close to your story. 

So, here’s what I want you to do…

When creating your reverse outline, focus on capturing what each chapter/scene actually accomplishes rather than what you intended it to do. You might be surprised at the disconnects you discover!

PRO TIP: A reverse outline doesn't have to be complicated! Even just jotting down the main purpose of each scene on index cards can reveal structural issues that might otherwise take months to identify. The goal is to see your story from above, not to create more work for yourself.

Step #4: Create Your Strategic Revision Plan

Now that you have a reverse outline of your entire story—and now that you’ve identified the actual structure and progression of the draft you’ve written—it’s time to create a strategic plan for executing your revisions.

Editing without a plan is like renovating a house by randomly tearing down walls without considering the overall structure. You might fix one issue while creating three new ones. A strategic approach ensures your changes enhance the whole rather than just patching individual problems.

In my Notes to Novel course, I teach my students to focus on different things at different times. Here’s exactly what I recommend:

• Story-level concerns come first—fix the foundation before decorating the rooms.
• Scene-level issues come next—make sure each brick is solid before polishing it.
• Page-level problems come last—there's no point in perfecting prose that might get cut.

Attempting to edit without this kind of plan (or without addressing the big-picture issues first) is the single biggest mistake I see writers make. 

They spend weeks perfecting sentences in chapters that ultimately need to be completely rewritten or cut. Don't let this be you!

PRO TIP: Look for changes that will create a "ripple effect" throughout your manuscript—aka the changes that will naturally cascade and fix multiple issues at once. For example, implementing a change to your protagonist’s motivation can fix dozens of scenes that previously felt off, but you couldn't figure out why.

Related: The 4 Phases of Editing Your Novel

Step #5: Execute the Big-Picture "Story-Level" Edits for Your Second Draft

Now that you have a detailed revision plan, this essentially becomes your roadmap as you tackle the first and most critical phase of editing: addressing the big-picture "story-level" concerns in your second draft. 

Think of these big-picture edits as adjusting the foundation and framework of a house—if these elements aren't solid, no amount of decorating or fine finishing work will make the structure sound

To get started, consider the following questions:

• Does my plot create genuine momentum from beginning to end?
• Do my characters have clear, consistent motivations driving their actions?
• What is my story REALLY about beneath the surface plot?
• Are the stakes high enough to keep readers invested?
• Is the central conflict in my story clear and expressed on the page?

During this editing phase, you’ll make the biggest and most impactful changes to your manuscript. This is also where you’ll spend most of your editing time and energy—that’s completely normal!

You’ll need to have the courage to make big, bold changes that might feel terrifying but will ultimately elevate your story from good to great. 

Hang in there, and whatever you do, don’t skip this step!

PRO TIP: Don’t try to fix everything at once. The pros do multiple focused "passes" through their manuscripts—one for character arcs, another for plot structure, etc. This targeted approach prevents overwhelm and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Step #6: Get Fresh Eyes on Your Manuscript

After completing your second draft with those foundational story-level changes in place, you've reached an important milestone—and a crucial limitation. 

No matter how skilled or experienced you are, your intimate knowledge of your story creates inevitable blind spots—and this is why you need to get outside feedback on your story before moving forward.

As the creator of your story, you’ll never be able to fully experience it the way a reader will. You know the characters' secret motivations, the plot twists before they happen, and the backstory that isn't on the page. This intimate knowledge makes it impossible to judge your manuscript with complete objectivity. 

For example, I once worked with an author who was convinced her protagonist was sympathetic and relatable, but every beta reader found the character selfish and unlikeable. This feedback—while initially painful—allowed her to make crucial character adjustments that completely transformed readers' experience of her novel.

So, once you get to this stage, getting outside feedback can help you identify issues you'll never spot on your own while also confirming the strengths you might be uncertain about.

You have two main options for gathering feedback:

1. Developmental Editor: A professional developmental editor specializes in big-picture story elements. They'll provide objective, expert feedback on plot, character, structure, and theme—and, in some cases, will even help you make a plan for moving forward. While this is an investment, it can save you countless hours of revision by identifying issues you might never spot on your own.

Related: What Kind of Editor Do You Need For Your Book?

2. Beta Readers: These are people who read your manuscript and provide feedback from a reader's perspective. Ideal beta readers are:

• Familiar with your genre
• Honest but constructive
• Specific in their feedback
• Reliable about deadlines

PRO TIP: Create a specific feedback questionnaire for your beta readers rather than just asking for general impressions. Include questions that target areas you're particularly concerned about but also open-ended questions that might reveal issues you haven't considered. This structured approach ensures you get actionable feedback rather than vague opinions.

Related: Exploring the World of Beta and Sensitivity Reading with The Spun Yarn

Step #7: Strategically Incorporate Feedback into Your Revision Plan

With editor and beta reader feedback in hand, it's time to evaluate and integrate these insights into your next round of revisions. 

This isn't about blindly accepting every suggestion but about learning to see your work through others' eyes and making informed decisions about changes.

The key is to sort and prioritize what you've received:

• Must address (problems multiple people identified)
• Should consider (issues that would strengthen your story)
• Might implement (suggestions that could enhance certain elements)
• Won't change (feedback that conflicts with your vision)

This stage often causes significant anxiety. You might feel defensive about criticisms or overwhelmed by the volume of suggested changes. Remember that you remain the ultimate authority on your story—feedback is a tool, not a mandate.  

When incorporating feedback, focus on understanding the underlying issue rather than the specific solution suggested. 

For example, a beta reader might say your protagonist is unlikeable (problem), and they might suggest “making them nicer” (solution). This might not be the right solution for your story, but it’s an issue worth considering nonetheless.

PRO TIP: If you need help interpreting feedback or deciding what feedback you’ll take action on, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a book coach who can help you make a plan and stay accountable to your goals.

At this point, the feedback you’ve integrated should have strengthened your story’s foundation in such a way that your overarching plot and character development work. But you might find there’s still some work to be done on the big picture—that’s okay! 

Take as much time as you need here, and don’t be afraid to repeat steps #5-7 as many times as you need to before moving on.

Step #8: Polish Your Scenes for Maximum Impact in Your Third Draft

At this stage, your story should “work” on the big-picture level. In this next round of revisions, you’ll focus on and examine the building blocks of your narrative: the individual scenes. 

Your third draft is where you'll ensure each scene works both as a compelling unit and as a vital piece of your overall story.

Unlike story-level editing, which builds your foundation, scene-level editing transforms a structurally sound manuscript into an emotionally engaging experience for readers. 

Because here’s the thing…

Even if a story has a strong plot overall, weak scenes will make readers abandon your book. But when done properly, this editing phase helps you create the "unputdownable" quality that readers crave.

You might have brilliant characters and a compelling overall plot, but readers encounter your story scene by scene. If these critical units fall flat, readers won't stick around regardless of how strong your premise is. Great scenes create the emotional momentum that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

So, what this means is that every scene in your novel should earn its place by serving multiple purposes simultaneously. If a scene only does one thing—like deliver information—it's probably going to feel flat to readers.

The question isn't just "Does this scene work?" but "Does this scene work HARD ENOUGH for your story?"

Let me give you an example…

I once worked with an author whose manuscript had a compelling plot but felt emotionally distant. During scene-level editing, we discovered two things: 1) she was ending scenes too early—right after the action but before the emotional impact could register, and 2) there was hardly any interiority throughout each scene. Adding interiority into every single scene and adjusting scene endings to include brief emotional beats transformed the reading experience completely.

PRO TIP: If you can't state in one sentence exactly what a scene accomplishes and why it's essential to your story, that's a major red flag. The most powerful scenes are those that advance the plot, reveal character, AND reinforce the theme all at once.

Related: 5 Common Scene Issues (And How To Fix Them)

Step #9: Perfect Your Prose in Your Fourth Draft

Having shaped your scenes into effective story components, your fourth draft brings you to the most granular level of editing: perfecting your prose. 

This is where you'll bring your full attention to the line-by-line craft elements that make your writing shine at the sentence level—precise word choice, elegant sentence structures, and the rhythmic flow of well-crafted paragraphs.

In other words, this is your chance to unleash your unique voice and bring crystal clarity to your ideas. 

Many writers find this stage the most satisfying—it's where your manuscript transforms from "good story, adequate writing" to "good story, excellent writing." However, it's also where perfectionism can cause you to get stuck endlessly polishing the same passages.

PRO TIP: Want to instantly improve your prose? Read your work aloud. Your ears will catch issues your eyes miss every time. Awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and unnatural dialogue become immediately obvious when spoken!

Step #10: Choose Your Publishing Path and Final Polishing Steps

After refining your manuscript through multiple drafts, you've reached a significant decision point: determining your publishing path. 

This decision carries particular weight because publishing isn't just about getting your book out into the world—it's about finding the right way to connect your story with readers. 

There are many paths to publication, and the one you choose should align with your specific goals and the type of book you've written.

But here’s what many first-time writers don’t know…

The publishing path you choose will also determine what additional editing steps you'll need to take from this point forward.

Your two main publishing options are:

1. Traditional Publishing: If you're pursuing traditional publishing, you might be ready to begin querying literary agents after completing the page-level edits in Step 9. In this path:

• You'll need a polished manuscript, a compelling query letter, and a synopsis
• If an agent signs you and sells your book to a publisher, your manuscript will undergo additional rounds of editing with a professional editor at the publishing house
• The publisher will typically handle developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading as part of their process
• You won't need to invest in these additional editing services yourself

2. Self-Publishing: While traditional publishing places editing responsibilities primarily with the publisher after acquisition, self-publishing requires you to manage and invest in several additional editing stages:

• Line editing: A line editor will refine your prose, improve flow, and enhance your unique voice while maintaining clarity and readability
• Copy editing: A copy editor will correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling and ensure consistency in style (character names, timeline, formatting, etc.)
• Proofreading: The final polish before publication, catching any remaining typos or formatting issues that slipped through earlier rounds

PRO TIP: The publishing landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, creating more opportunities—and more confusion—than ever before. What worked for authors five years ago may not be the best strategy today. Do your research before committing to any publishing path.

Related: How to Pick Your Publishing Path With Nicole Meier

Your Editing Journey Starts Here

As you stand at the beginning of this editing journey, you might feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The path from rough first draft to polished manuscript involves important decisions and dedicated work—but it's a path well worth taking.

Every successful author has stood exactly where you stand now, staring at a first draft and wondering how to transform it into something truly special.

The ten steps outlined above give you a roadmap to follow that breaks down the seemingly overwhelming task of editing a novel into smaller, more manageable pieces. Each step builds on the one before it, guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. 

Be patient with yourself and trust the process. 

Some days will bring breakthroughs, and others will feel like you're taking steps backward. This does not mean there’s anything wrong with you or your story–it’s just part of how the editing process goes.

Above all else, remember that your story deserves to be told.

By committing to this editing journey, you're giving your manuscript—and yourself as a writer—the best possible opportunity to succeed. 

Take a deep breath, schedule that first break from your manuscript, and prepare for the rewarding work of turning your draft into the book it's meant to be!