Ask any writer and I’m sure you’ll find we all have different writing processes no matter how similar they sound. For me I like to plot my books, at least roughly, before I begin.
The first thing I do is write out a brief plot with a beginning, middle and end. This tends to be just a few paragraphs at first. Then I start to identify what characters need to be in the story to achieve my vision, then I start fleshing their personas, aims and objectives.
Then, once I have a rough plot, character analysis I start the drafting process. The longest this has taken me is just under a year, but usually it takes six to seven months.
Once the draft is done, I go right back in and fill in gaps and plot holes. Then I let the book sit and marinate for a few weeks. I don’t edit in order, I just go through a few times and fix all issues I can identify, before finally just focusing on flow. The editing takes the second longest time after drafting. It can be tedious if you don't take breaks, refresh your mind and explore the possibilities with plot. So far, I haven't had to make any major plot changes once I've completed the first draft. If I have any issues with plot I tend to address it in the drafting phase.
After that I put my book through editing software to fix the gramma issues I cannot spot. And as part of a new step in my process I intend to send the completed script to beta readers.
The final round of edits is incorporating the feedback and going over the text again to ensure it’s correct.
Then this is where I hire an editor to fix what I cannot.
Once that is complete. I commission a cover designer who I liaise with to get a genre appropriate cover.
Then I put my book up for pre-order and set about creating commercial content for socials. In this three-month phase I use:
Bookfunnel and BookSiren to get reviews.
Once the book is published, I focus on promoting it on my socials.
That’s my process at the moment. Please note that this is subject to change. I want to mess around with ads again and since TikTok may be banned in America I’m looking to diversify the platforms I’m on.
This is the first time I’ve written down my process. I hope it enlightens you about what it takes to get a book into your hands.
If you’d like to know anything else about my writing or want me to delve deeper into each step let me know.
Until next time,
Elara Ashwind 😊
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