Your Next Draft

Why a Page One Rewrite Is Actually Worth Celebrating


Listen Later

It sounds scary, but it’s actually MAJOR editing progress.

What if the best way to make progress on your novel . . .

. . . is to go back to the beginning?

Sometimes, the most effective editing strategy is a page one rewrite.

Yes, that means exactly what it sounds like. You open a blank document and begin writing an entirely fresh manuscript.

It might feel like you’re moving backwards. But you’re not. And in this episode, I’m going to prove it to you.

You’ll learn:

  • Why I CELEBRATE when a writer starts a page one rewrite (and why you should too!)
  • Why going back to the beginning is an unavoidable part of the editing process
  • 2 tips to help you make the most of a page one rewrite
  • Why your previous draft isn’t wasted (even if you’re starting fresh with a blank page!)
  • And more!

If a page one rewrite is your best next step, consider this episode your pep talk.

You’ve got this. And it’s going to be so, so worth it.

Links mentioned in the episode:

  • Ep. 61: What It REALLY Means to Make Progress Editing Your Novel

Send me a Text Message!

Support the show

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!

Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Your Next DraftBy Alice Sudlow

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

75 ratings


More shows like Your Next Draft

View all
Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,300 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

1,003 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

628 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

229 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,465 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

774 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

413 Listeners

Writers on Writing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and Marrie Stone

Writers on Writing

92 Listeners

Lit Match by Abigail K. Perry

Lit Match

58 Listeners

Story Magic by Golden May

Story Magic

40 Listeners

The Resilient Writers Radio Show by Rhonda Douglas Resilient Writers

The Resilient Writers Radio Show

32 Listeners

The Whole Writer by Nicole Meier

The Whole Writer

46 Listeners

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

17 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

10,796 Listeners

Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori by Suzy Vadori

Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori

15 Listeners