When You're Done

Comparison titles FAQs

When you're done

When you are pitching a book for publication, comp titles are crucial. Choose them with care.

What’s it all about? Topic v. Theme

Rewriting and editing, When you're done, Writing tips

Theme synthesises the topics explored with the emotional impacts and challenges the topic spawns.

Mapping Your Story Part 1: Chapter Outlines

Rewriting and editing, When you're done, Writing tips

Doing a chapter outline after a completed draft maximises the leap forward in the next draft.

Mapping Your Story Part 2: Scene Outlines

Rewriting and editing, When you're done, Writing tips

Scene outlines are a key strategy in developing work for publication.

From writer’s draft to reader’s draft

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done, Writing tips

Getting from writer's draft to reader's draft is a process. Which development phase are you in?

Copyediting or structural editing? What do I need?

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

What are the different types of editing, and when do you need them?

Writing a synopsis

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

Writers often moan and groan about writing a synopsis. But there's no escape; you're going to have to do it.

Are You Paying Attention?

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done, Writing tips

One of the keys to success for a writer is an ability to pay attention to the macro as well as the micro, to the mundane as well as the sublime.

Surviving Rejection

The writing life, When you're done

‘Resilient writers think of success and rejection as a package deal: If we want to accept writing success when it comes, we must be willing to accept writing defeat when it happens.'

Behind the Successful Debut Book

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done

The 'overnight' success of debut books is usually built on a development process spanning many, many years.

Managing Feedback

The writing life, When you're done

We may not have control over the feedback we receive, but we do have control over the way we respond to it and what we do next – how we manage it.

Seeking Feedback

When you're done

The right sort of feedback, from the right reader, at the right time will, without a doubt, make you a better writer.

Self-publishing Steps to Publication

When you're done

Thinking of self-publishing? Make sure you understand what's involved.

When am I Done?

The writing life, When you're done

Knowing when your work is ready to be launched into the wider world can be a difficult thing to pin down.

Sending Your Manuscript out

When you're done

It can be confronting to let go of your precious baby and send your manuscript into the wider world of professional readers: assessors, editors, agents, publishers.