After the loss of NaNoWriMo, it did not take the Crowvus writers long to realise how much we relied on this structured routine for our writing. For me, November had become the only time I was guaranteed to do creative writing. In fact - if truth be told - I've done very little at any other point of the year. Consequently, we decided to adapt to our own interpretation: Cro(w)NoWriMo - the W is in brackets because there was some discrepancy over whether or not it should be in there. The rules were simple: Write. As November went on, the end goal changed slightly for each writer. Was it 50,000 words? Was it to write every day? Was it to write an entire book? For me, it was about finishing a book. I haven't finished an historical fiction book in ages - though I've started plenty! Now, with four more writing days left on the clock and into the final chapter, I might finally be able to lay the ghost. The story I returned to was Poisoned Pilgrimage , the book I began as a submiss...
Saturday 30th November - What Next?
Wow! We've made it to the end of NaNoWriMo. If you managed your 50,000 words: Congratulations! If you managed to get off the starting block: Congratulations! Whatever anyone tells you, there is nothing easy about writing a book. Even when you enjoy it, it's still hard work.
So, what happens next? Here's what Crowvus suggests:
Wow! We've made it to the end of NaNoWriMo. If you managed your 50,000 words: Congratulations! If you managed to get off the starting block: Congratulations! Whatever anyone tells you, there is nothing easy about writing a book. Even when you enjoy it, it's still hard work.
So, what happens next? Here's what Crowvus suggests:
- Have a party - you've deserved it! And, by the way, a party only needs to have as few or as many people as you want. My favourite parties have been family affairs. It's important to be proud of yourself, and to celebrate your success.
- Revisit your novel - I suggest you re-read the whole thing. Pick up and iron out any continuity issues and correct any typos you spot, but don't go through looking for them. Proofreading comes later.
- Find your First Reader - for advice on this you can read our Day 15 blog.
- Rerevisit your novel - decide which of the First Reader's comments you want to build on and make these changes.
- Proofreading - you can choose whether to employ someone or find a friend, but proofreading should not be done by yourself or your First Reader. You need someone who is not familiar with your writing and story.
- Rererevisit your novel - no need to add or change anything other than any issues your proofreader highlighted. Some proofreaders will make these changes for you.
- Editing - for advice on this you can read our Day 10 blog. This stage takes time, and will probably take a lot of to-ing and fro-ing for your manuscript.
- Rerererevisit your novel - this is your novel's final visit before handing it over.
- Decide your publishing route - whether through a publisher or self-publishing, your book is now ready to go "Out There".
On behalf of Crowvus, Congratulations!
If you're looking to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. We have a one-off offer available through our Crowdfunding rewards offering critiques, graphics, illustrations, and a complete manuscript edit (up to 100,000 words).
Thanks for sharing NaNoWriMo with us!
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