Steps to Self-Publishing
The First Draft: Your Beautiful, Messy Beginning
If you’re diving into the world of self-publishing, the first draft is where the magic and the chaos begin. Think of it like building a sandcastle: you’re just trying to shape the castle before smoothing the edges and decorating with seashells. In other words—your job right now is simply to write the idea.
A first draft thrives on a “just write” mentality. Don’t worry about perfection. Don’t worry about commas. Don’t even worry if Chapter 4 currently makes zero sense. That’s a problem for Future You.
During the First Draft: Embrace the Mess
1. Just get the story down. Your only mission is to reach the end. That’s it. No polishing needed. First drafts are meant to be perfectly imperfect.
2. Build a routine (even a tiny one). Whether you write for 20 minutes at 6 a.m. or for an hour before bed, consistent writing blocks are your best friend. Routine beats inspiration every time.
3. Use whatever tools you have. Laptop? Great. Phone notes app? Totally fine. Pen and paper? Old-school and charming. The tool doesn’t matter—getting the words down does.
4. Do not self-edit while writing. Resist the urge to go back and fix every sentence. Editing during a draft is like trying to fix your hair while running—awkward and counterproductive. Keep moving forward.
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After the First Draft: Step Away From the Project
1. Celebrate! Seriously. You finished a first draft—do you realize how many people never make it this far? Treat yourself. Cake is absolutely allowed (and encouraged).
2. Take a break. Put your project in a safe place and walk away for a couple weeks. Distance gives you perspective—and fresh eyes are priceless.
3. Self-edit with intention. Now it’s time for you to play "Where's Waldo" with your errors. Fix typos, tighten awkward sentences, improve flow, and straighten out basic formatting. Reading aloud works wonders (and counts as cardio for writers).
4. Do a “glaringly obvious” pass. This is where you clean up the big issues first: repeated words, plot holes, rogue commas, scenes that go nowhere, or that one character who mysteriously changes eye colour.
5. Get feedback from real humans. Beta readers, critique partners, or writing groups can help you catch things you missed. They’re also great at reminding you what’s actually working.
6. Prepare for top-notch editing. Once you’ve self-edited and gotten feedback, your manuscript is ready for a professional editor. This step is essential for indie authors—it’s what elevates your book from “promising” to “polished and ready for readers.”
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The Bottom Line
Completing a first draft isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Write bravely, edit wisely, and trust the process. Your future, published self will thank you.