Explore every episode of the podcast Your Next Draft
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the Turning Point Goes (And How to Know If Yours Is in the Right Place) | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:18:11 | |
If you’re second-guessing your pacing, give your turning point this two-part check. Where the heck is the turning point? If you’ve ever tried to spot the turning point in a story you love, you’ve probably asked some version of this question. I always feel like I’m playing that old children’s video game: Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? (In my imagination, the turning point is captured in shadowy profile, wearing a red hat with a wide brim.) (this is also called, tell me you’re a 90s baby without telling me you’re a 90s baby.) Anyway. When you’re analyzing someone else’s story, it feels like a hunt for something you just can’t spot. When you’re analyzing your own story, it feels like second-guessing your pacing. Did you put the turning point in the right spot? Is it happening too early? Too late? Will the reader get bored waiting for it to happen? Or have you rushed something critical? If any of those questions sound familiar, you won’t want to miss this episode. It’s all about where in the story the turning point is located—and yes, this question is complicated enough to require an entire episode to unpack. You’ll hear:
You know what the turning point is—the moment that makes it clear the protagonist cannot achieve their goal in the way they wanted to. You know what it does—it forces the protagonist into a crisis choice. And now, you’ll know where to look for it—and where to put it in your own stories. Links mentioned in the episode: FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Turning Point: How to Find and Write the Moment That Changes Everything | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:28:19 | |
It's the hinge your entire story turns on—and one of the hardest story elements to identify and write. Can I be honest? I struggled with turning points for years. I knew they were essential. They’re the moment when everything changes. The moment that forces the character to face a crisis choice. The moment that reveals what the story is really, at its heart, about. And yet . . . I couldn’t see them. I found so many things that weren’t the turning point. I found inciting incidents, and midpoints, and climaxes. The turning point, though? It eluded me. Until I learned a simple framework that finally, finally unlocked them for me. That framework:
That framework marked my turning point in the way I edit turning points. If you have ever struggled to figure out what the heck the turning point is in a story, well, you’re not alone. I hope this framework gives you a breakthrough. It certainly did for me! Further listening:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Hidden Half of Your Protagonist's Goal (That Makes Story Structure Work) | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:21:15 | |
If your structure is perfect on paper, but your story still falls flat, this might be what you're missing. Have you ever structured a story with all the right pieces, but something still feels flat? You check all the boxes on paper: ✅ Inciting incident And yet it still falls flat. They mostly align, probably, you’re pretty sure. But somehow, they’re not working together the way they should. The turning point doesn’t pack the right punch. The crisis doesn’t feel devastating enough, even though all is technically lost. The climax doesn’t feel like a cathartic payoff, but a gentle womp-womp. All the pieces are there. So what went wrong? Here’s the thing: in order for the six elements of story to work, you have to understand your character’s goal. Most writers have a vague sense of what their protagonist generally wants. But that’s not enough. You need to know specifically the thing that they want—and the thing they don’t want. So in this episode, I’m putting the goal under the microscope. You’ll learn:
Without a clearly defined goal, all the structure in the world won’t make your story come alive. With it, everything else falls neatly into place. Dig deeper with these related episodes:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| When Should You Work With an Editor? (It's Earlier Than You Think) | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:18:40 | |
What if you've already done enough to work with an editor—right now? You’ve been working on your novel for so long. Not just months—years, maybe even decades. And yet you have a long way still to go. The day when you have a polished manuscript you’re proud to pitch or publish feels so far away, and you're starting to wonder if you're missing something crucial. And in the back of your mind, you might be wondering: When should you work with an editor? How much more should you do before you start looking? How many drafts should you finish before you reach out? When is your story finally ready for an editor’s feedback? That’s the question I’m answering in this episode—and the answer might surprise you. You’ll learn:
Here's what I've discovered: most writers desperately want editorial support—they just don't know it exists at their stage of the process. So in this episode, I’ll give you a simple metric to evaluate when you are ready for an editor, and show you what to look for when you are. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Use Genre as a Revision Tool (with Savannah Gilbo) | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:20:08 | |
Here’s what to DO with your genre once you know which one you’re writing. So you know your story’s genre. It’s an Action story with a Worldview internal genre. Or it’s a Love story with a Status internal genre. You’re, like, 32% sure of it. Which is great, because you’ve studied story enough to know genre is important. You’ve heard that it shapes the foundations of your story, that it has conventions and obligatory scenes, reader expectations that you’ll need to deliver on. Somehow, though, just knowing some words—Action, Worldview, Love, Status—hasn’t magically solved anything. And it’s not a great feeling to have studied story theory so much, and still be stuck on the application. So what now? Now that you have some language for your story’s genre, what do you do with it? How do you actually use it as a revision tool? That’s what I’m exploring in this episode with my friend and fellow writing coach Savannah Gilbo. Savannah is my go-to genre expert, and she shares exactly how to make genre work for you in revision. You’ll hear:
Identifying your genre is a great first step. In this episode, Savannah will show you what to actually do with it once you know which one you’re writing. Links mentioned in the episode:
The Notes to Novel link is an affiliate link. I wholeheartedly recommend Savannah’s coaching and am delighted to share her resources with you! FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The 12 Core Genres That Power Every Great Story | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:23:28 | |
Genre isn’t what you think it is. Here’s how to use it better. Genre. Let me guess: It’s the bane of your existence. A convoluted soup of arbitrary descriptors that almost but not quite mean the same thing. Sci fi or fantasy? Paranormal or supernatural? Upmarket or book club? Do words even have meaning? Or, it’s a restrictive box with tropes and conventions you feel like you need to cross off a checklist, until your story is more “paint by numbers” formulaic than an original creation unique to your imagination. Or, it’s a necessary evil in your query letter. Your task is to say the right genre words to the right agent to appeal to their interests and make them want to request your manuscript. Get it right, you get a book deal. Get it wrong, you fail. Genre can be all those things, for sure. But what if, first and foremost, it were a tool that works for you? In this episode, I’m throwing out the way we usually talk about genre. And I’m replacing it with an approach to genre that’s actually useful for crafting great stories. Not just useful, actually. Essential. You’ll learn:
This approach to genre won’t constrain your creativity within someone else’s box. Rather, it will reveal the story you truly want to tell. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How Great First Lines Make Readers Pay Attention (with Abigail K. Perry) | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:48:31 | |
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a fiction writer in possession of a brilliant story must craft a captivating opening line. No pressure, right? Your opening line is your story’s first impression. Agents, editors, and even readers decide fast whether they want to keep reading or drop the book altogether. And yes, they can make that judgment in as little as the very first sentence. So your opening line is doing some heavy, heavy lifting. But what, exactly, do great first lines do? What sets an unputdownable first sentence apart from a forgettable dud? How do they capture readers—and agents—in a matter of seconds? I turned to Abigail K. Perry, editor, book coach, and expert in opening chapters, to find out. You’ll hear:
If you’ve ever worried over the beginning of your book—if you’ve ever written and discarded a dozen different versions of your first sentence, and you’re still stressed that that first line won’t land—well, I think you’re going to love what Abigail has to share. Links mentioned in the episode:
Check out a few of Abigail’s “First Chapter Deep Dive” episodes on Lit Match:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Where Progressive Complications Go WRONG (and How to Fix Them) | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:31:04 | |
Are your readers bored? Disappointed? Confused? Here's what that tells you about your story's middle. You’re stuck in the messy middle. Languishing in the doldrums of your story. The inciting incident is long past, the climax is so far ahead you can’t see it over the horizon, and you’re drifting, lost at sea. What is actually supposed to happen here? Where did your plot momentum go? Why do your pages feel full of stuff, and yet nothing ever happens? The answers to all those questions lie in your progressive complications. Specifically, something’s going wrong in your progressive complications. In this episode, I’m digging even deeper into the progressive complications. I’m sharing the seven most common traps I see, the impact they have on your story and your readers, and of course, how to fix them so you can make your story unputdownable from beginning to end. You’ll learn:
And don’t miss the free cheat sheet that goes with this episode! Print it and keep it handy as you’re editing. Here’s the thing: the middle of a story isn’t an inscrutable secret. This episode is your guide to spot the most common traps and free your story from them. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Make Sense of Your Messy Middle With the Most Underrated Story Element | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:29:16 | |
You don’t need more filler. You need better progressive complications. Your inciting incident hooks your readers and promises them a story they’ll love. And then comes the middle. The messy middle. The quiet doldrums of your story, where plot momentum goes to die. Where your characters wander, your conflict blurs, and you start to wonder if any of it is working. So what do you do? Add some “stuff that happens” and hope it holds your readers’ interest? Toss in a random subplot? Describe your character’s breakfast in extreme detail? Nope. This is the space of the progressive complications. And in this episode, I’m showing you exactly how to revise them. Because the middle of your story isn’t filler or unnecessary fluff. It’s 60% of the story, and it has an essential job to do.
And to make it even easier, I’ve created a cheat sheet to help you revise your progressive complications. Print it out, keep it handy, and use it every time you edit a scene. If you’ve ever gotten stuck in the middle of your manuscript wondering how to move forward—this episode is for you. Let’s take your messy middle and make it unputdownable. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How Great First Chapters Make Readers Care (with Abigail K. Perry) | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:14:22 | |
Your first chapter has a monumental task: to make potential readers care about your book right away and hook them to keep reading. Every sentence is a chance to earn your reader’s attention—or lose their fragile, baby-fresh interest before your story even begins. And that’s assuming that your book makes it to the bookstore shelves. If you’re traditionally publishing, the first chapter’s burdened with even more responsibility. It’s your first impression with agents and editors, who will judge whether to consider the full manuscript based on the first five or ten pages alone. The stakes are high. So high, in fact, that it’s easy to get stuck—revising and refining your first chapter over and over while the rest of the manuscript gathers dust. So I asked Abigail K. Perry, a fellow editor and book coach, to come help us break out of that trap. “If we don't care about a character, we don't care about what happens to them. . . . Pull us into character and let us understand and get to know them so that when threats are posed against them, we care about what happens.” —Abigail K. Perry You’ll hear:
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a first chapter revision loop, this one’s for you. Check out Abigail’s “First Chapter Deep Dive” episodes on the books we discussed:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Inciting Incident: How to Revise an Unputdownable Beginning | 27 May 2025 | 00:27:23 | |
Your inciting incident sets the stage for everything that follows. Here's what to revise so it can carry the story. A great inciting incident does a lot of heavy lifting. → It hooks your readers, pulling them into the story. → And it sets up everything to come, laying the foundation for a brilliant climax your readers will love. The beginning matters. Which means there’s a lot of pressure to get it right. But what does right actually mean? How do you start a story well? That’s what I’m tackling in this episode. I’m going beyond the definition of the inciting incident to share what I as an editor am looking for when I edit inciting incidents. In other words, if you’ve written an inciting incident and aren’t sure how to tell if it works, this episode is your guide to edit it. You’ll hear:
Plus, I’ve gathered it all into a one-page cheat sheet you can reference every time you edit an inciting incident. Print it out and keep it in your writing space for easy access. If you’ve ever found the advice to “make sure your story has an inciting incident” unsatisfactory, this episode is for you. Don’t just make sure your story has an inciting incident. Use this episode to revise it until it’s good. Great. Unputdownable, even. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| What If You Do Everything Right and the Book Launch Still Goes Wrong? with A.S. King | 13 May 2025 | 00:52:03 | |
“It really broke my heart, actually. . . . For the rest of my life, it will break my heart.” A.S. King gets honest about what happened when the publishing industry failed her book. What happens after you edit your book? What happens after you’ve bared the story of your heart, crafted it into an excellent novel, and presented it to the world? What happens when you get traditionally published, when you receive awards and accolades, and when it looks like you’ve won the author career lottery? Last month, I brought author A.S. King on the podcast to share how she revises award-winning novels—complex, intense, surrealist, mind-bending stories meant to challenge her readers to think. But that wasn’t the end of the conversation. In fact, it wasn’t even the start. The conversation began months earlier, when I heard the story of her book launch for her latest novel. I won’t spoil the ending here, but I will say: it did not go how she expected. So today, I’m bringing Amy back on the podcast to tell us her publishing story and give us a glimpse of what comes after all the writing and all the revising. You’ll hear:
It’s a peek into traditional publishing—and a reality check on what the industry feels like from the inside, even for an award-winning author in her prime. And above all, it’s a reminder of what really matters when it comes to measuring your book’s success. Links Mentioned in the Episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Think You Need a Line Editor? Try This First | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:29:14 | |
Do you need to hire a line editor? Or should you line edit your manuscript yourself? After all, you want to write an excellent novel. You know that great writing takes shape in revision, and you don’t want to skimp on any layers of editing. Nor do you want to overestimate your writing skills and leave your book littered with clunky sentences that a wordsmithing line editor could polish into shining brilliance. On the other hand, you also don’t want to mess up your editing process or your manuscript by getting the editing phases wrong. You don’t want to hire the wrong people at the wrong time and reduce the efficiency of your edits by getting them out of order. You don’t want to waste money you don’t need to spend on professional editing you don’t actually need. And you definitely don’t want to make your manuscript worse by getting feedback that doesn’t match your vision. So: do you need to hire a line editor? Well, maybe. Or maybe not. In this episode, I’m breaking down what line editing is, what line editors do, and what your book and your editing process truly need. You’ll hear:
Whether you hire a line editor or line edit your novel yourself, the principles I share in today’s episode will help you ensure every word you choose is the right one for your story and your voice. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How Surrealist Pantser A.S. King Revises Award-Winning Novels | 15 Apr 2025 | 01:31:04 | |
“Revising is about making sure that you're saying what you want to say in the way you want to say it. . . . To me, revision is the sport. It's the impact. It's the reason we're writers.” Have you ever read a book and thought, Holy cow, this is amazing. How did this author DO this? Or, maybe you’ve read a book and thought, Wow, I wish I could write (or in my case, edit) a book like this, but this is incredible and it might be beyond me? Well, that’s how I feel when I read an A.S. King novel. She’s an impressively decorated author of novels for middle grade, teens, and adults. She’s the only author to win the Printz award for young adult literature twice—and that’s just two of many, many accolades. She writes brilliant stories that are surrealist and puzzling and weird, and at the same time beautiful and heartfelt and honest and real. And when I heard that she loves revision, I knew I had to bring her to Your Next Draft and ask her: how does she do it? How does she manage to craft such intricately plotted, complex stories? How does she innovate so much on a technical level, and keep me hooked on a brilliant story all the way through? How does she turn her completely pantsed first drafts into award-winning novels—and then hit it out of the park again, and again, and again? So I was thrilled when A.S. King agreed to join me on the podcast and spill all the details of her revision process. In our conversation, she shares:
Plus, I’ve created a revision reading list to pair with this conversation so you can see A.S. King’s specific editorial choices at work in her novels. A.S. King is an absolute gem of a human as well as a brilliant writer. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. P.S. My very favorite part of our conversation begins at 1 hr 21 min. Here’s a sneak peek: “In the end, it is all about your voice and your experiences and your feelings. That's it. It's all writing is.” Links mentioned in the FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Editor Life: 5 Days Behind the Scenes with Alice | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:48:24 | |
Ever wondered what an editor actually does all day? What it looks like to spend all day supporting writers in their stories? Or what your editor’s doing in all that time when they’re not sharing their feedback with you? If those questions pique your curiosity, you’re in luck. I’m pulling back the curtain to share a week in my life as a developmental editor and book coach. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what I do with writers and what I’m working on when I’m not on calls giving feedback. Plus, I’ll share all the best editing strategies, tips, and tricks that emerge as I dig into stories with writers this week. You’ll hear:
I love my job and can’t imagine spending my days any other way. I hope you enjoy this peek at what it really looks like to be an editor and book coach! Links mentioned in the episode:
Further Listening:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Use Revision Tools Like the Story Authority You Already Are with Brannan Sirratt | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:59:06 | |
When to use frameworks to solve your story problems—and when to trust yourself and lean on your own story authority. You’ve heard of Save the Cat! Story Grid. Blueprint for a Book. These are all frameworks designed to help you edit a novel. If you don’t know these names, I bet you know others—Hero’s Journey, Freytag’s Pyramid, 7 Point Story Structure, Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, there are dozens more. Each one promises that if you use it, you’ll be able to craft better stories. And because we want to write good books, the writers I know are constantly learning new frameworks and analyzing their stories through them. I use frameworks like these in the editing process, after the first draft is already written. But I’ve seen many writers use them earlier, even before they begin writing. It’s a tempting thought, right? What if you could use these frameworks to solve your story problems and make writing your first draft so much easier? What if you could build a story from the ground up that already fulfills everything those frameworks require from the very first draft? Would that shortcut the creative process? Would it help you create a better story faster? Or would it get in the way of your storytelling? Are there moments in the creative process when frameworks like these might just do more harm than good? I’m a big fan of storytelling frameworks. But today, we’re taking a hard look at them to see what they offer, what they can’t do for us, and how to tap into your true authority as the writer of your own story. Links mentioned in the episode: Further listening:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Ask This Question When You’re Overwhelmed by Your Story | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:24:19 | |
Escape analysis paralysis with one powerful question. It’s deceptively simple—and yet it unlocks everything. If you’re like most of the writers I work with, you’re pretty savvy about story structure. You know your Story Grid, your Save the Cat!, your Hero’s Journey. You’ve probably analyzed your story six ways to Sunday, and you’ve got the spreadsheets and outlines and diagrams and graphs to prove it. And all that analysis has leveled up your story significantly. You’ve solved major structural problems by applying your extensive knowledge of story theory. But I also bet there are still some issues nagging at you. Issues that you still can’t crack, no matter how many times you map every act and arc in your story on a spreadsheet. In fact, if you’re still spreadsheeting your story by this point, you’re probably starting to spin out a little. You’ve analyzed and analyzed and analyzed again, and now all that story structure that was supposed to make revising your story clear and straightforward has turned against you, leaving you overwhelmed and lost. What if you could break through all that overwhelm and find your footing in your story again? What if you could snap out of analysis paralysis and reconnect with your characters and the inspiration that compelled you to write in the first place? And what if you could do all of that by asking just one deceptively simple question? You can, I promise. And in this episode, I’ll show you how. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How Multiple Layers of Editing Combine to Perfect Your Story (with Cathryn deVries and Kim Kessler) | 18 Feb 2025 | 01:33:35 | |
The best novels combine rock-solid story structure with scenes that are unputdownable on every page. Here’s how one writer and two editors polished a story at every level. If you want to move your reader in every moment, keep them hooked on every page, you need to refine your scenes until each one is unputdownable. And that refinement? It’s SUCH a joy. It’s my favorite thing to do and it will transform your entire story. But in order to make every scene matter, you first need to make sure you have all the right scenes in all the right places. The big-picture story structure can’t be kinda-sorta-maybe working. It needs to be locked in, watertight. Otherwise, all those beautiful scenes won’t build to anything. They might be pretty on their own. But they won’t create compelling narrative drive, an irresistible build to the cathartic payoff your readers can’t get enough of. So how do you do it? How do you get your macro storytelling crystal clear and refine every scene into its most powerful form? In this episode, I want to share with you the story of how one writer did just that. You’ll hear how Cathryn leveraged multiple revision passes to transform her manuscript from a massive pile of words that made her cringe to a story she’s immeasurably proud of. It’s also a tale of two editors—because Cathryn worked with both me and my colleague Kim to make her story shine on every level. Most of all, it’s a story of mastering two storytelling skills—the micro and the macro—and all the story magic you can unlock when you do. Links mentioned in the episode: Further listening:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| What Is a Manuscript Evaluation? (And Do You Need One?) | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:34:04 | |
It’s the most common developmental editing service you’ll see. Know what to look for and when (or if) you need one. If you google “developmental editor” and start looking through editors’ websites, you’ll see a common service appear again and again: A manuscript evaluation. (Or assessment, or diagnostic, or critique. A rose by any other name, etc.) Typically, in a manuscript evaluation, an editor will offer to read your manuscript and tell you what’s working and what to focus on next to make it even better. It sounds like the dream, right? Someone who will read the book you’ve spent months and months writing, tell you what they think of it, and give you a to-do list. And manuscript evaluations sell like hotcakes because what they’re offering is exactly what writers want. Or at least— what writers think they want. But when you don’t know what you really need, you risk wasting hundreds or thousands of dollars on a service that leaves you disappointed, stuck in the same spot, or even feeling false confidence that your story’s problems have all been solved when they’re not. What if you don’t need someone else’s to-do list for your story? What if you have access to all the evaluation you need right now, without paying a single cent? And if you don’t need someone else’s to-do list, what do you need instead? In this episode, I’m giving you a crash course on manuscript evaluations. You’ll hear:
Here’s the thing: there are no regulations in the author services industry. That means it’s up to YOU to vet every professional you work with. I’m equipping you with everything you need to know to make the most of manuscript evaluations—or find the service you need instead. Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Scene Workshop: Hook Your Readers in Chapter One with Cathryn deVries | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:40:06 | |
You get one shot to grab their attention. Don’t waste it with characters staring off into space.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Unskippable Process to Create Unputdownable Books | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:27:27 | |
It’s unpopular, but essential if you’re aiming to craft your best work.
It’s not the popular path. But it’s the only path I know to craft the books you’re truly capable of writing.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Edit Your Novel When Disaster Strikes | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:18:58 | |
Your book is important. But sometimes, worthy interruptions will delay it for a while.
I hope you don’t need these tips for a long time. But if you do find your world falling apart around you, I hope these tips help you find a way forward for your story and yourself.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How Taylor Jenkins Reid Crafts an Exceptional Opening Scene | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:31:53 | |
Your reader experiences your story one scene at a time. Make every scene un-put-down-able.
This episode is a sneak peek inside my upcoming Scene Mastery Workshop. In fact, this is the first scene we’ll study in the workshop. Then, we’ll dig into seven more scenes from other great novels.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| 2 “Showing” and "Telling" Ways to Convey Time Passing in Your Novel | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:18:04 | |
Show and tell your readers why time matters to your characters.
Your readers want to understand why time matters to your characters. Show and tell them, and they’ll feel it passing just as your characters do.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| 3 “Telling” Ways to Convey Time Passing in Your Novel | 21 May 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
Don’t lose your readers. Just tell them what time it is.
This is one of those elements of storytelling that feels tiny, inconsequential, like your readers will catch on without you needing to think too hard about it. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Why You Must Show Time Passing in Your Novel | 07 May 2024 | 00:17:34 | |
This is often overlooked, but it’s essential for great stories.
I’ve read so many manuscripts where I lose track of time and have to ask the writer, “Wait, when does this happen?” Check out this episode and save yourself from this common oversight. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| When Should You Practice, and When Should You Publish? | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:19:58 | |
Write your best stories—and know when to let go and publish them.
So are you practicing or publishing? There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s just a question of which approach is best for you, right now. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| You Can't Skip Learning How to Write a Novel. Here's Why | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:22:21 | |
Before you can master writing great stories, you have to learn to craft great stories.
The amazing book you want to craft is on the other side of the learning stage. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| 4 Tips for Your First Time Working With an Editor | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:21:35 | |
Because working with an editor should be delightful, not scary.
Your work with your developmental editor can be one of the most rewarding creative partnerships you’ll ever experience. That may sound hyperbolic, but it’s 100% true.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| 4 Tips to Find the Right Editor for Your Novel | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:14:04 | |
What you need to know BEFORE you start working with an editor—and how to tell if they’re the right fit for your novel.
When you find the right editor for your book, the developmental editing process can be so incredibly rewarding. My coaching clients often tell me that the hour we spend together on calls is their favorite hour of the week.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Why Writers Resist Measuring Their Craft (And Why You Shouldn’t) | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:25:27 | |
What we get wrong about creativity—and the truth that will make your writing and editing so much more effective.
Your intuition is a powerful storytelling tool. But it’s not your only tool.
P.S. What do you get when an editor and a nuclear physicist walk into a swing dance? Powerful truths about jazz music and storytelling, it turns out. Check out the episode to see what I mean. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Pros and Cons of Group Coaching for Writers | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:22:56 | |
Why group coaching might be the perfect way to get feedback on your writing.
Group coaching isn’t better than one-on-one editing, or vice versa. It’s just different—a different experience that can meet different needs in your writing in a different way.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| 5 Steps to Edit the Second Draft of a Novel | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:21:45 | |
The simple editing process to turn your messy first draft into a second draft you love.
If you’ve ever felt lost, confused, daunted, or completely overwhelmed by the very idea of editing your novel—
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Why a Page One Rewrite Is Actually Worth Celebrating | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:18:36 | |
It sounds scary, but it’s actually MAJOR editing progress.
If a page one rewrite is your best next step, consider this episode your pep talk. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| What It REALLY Means to Make Progress Editing Your Novel | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:19:51 | |
Editing progress doesn’t always look like you’d expect. Here’s how to recognize it.
If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant, or overwhelmed, don’t miss this episode.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Most Joyful Editing Feedback I Ever Give | 26 Dec 2023 | 00:12:13 | |
Here’s what happens when you absolutely NAIL IT in your story. You’ll learn:
Most of all, though, in this episode, I’m celebrating you. I’m celebrating all the hard work and incredible progress you’ve made in your editing this year. FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Top 5 Lessons From Year 1 of Building My Editing Business | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:23:34 | |
Your editing process has more in common with building a business than you might think.
Your Next Draft is all about inviting you in to the editing tools and strategies I’m using in my own editing practice. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and getting a little more vulnerable than usual.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Top 5 Editing Tips From Your Next Draft in 2023 | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:24:28 | |
The year’s most popular editing tip, plus four more strategies I don’t want you to miss.
It’s been a great year on the podcast. I can’t wait to share more editing strategies with you in 2024!
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| My Biggest Takeaway From Coaching Writers in 2023 | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:14:22 | |
What dozens of manuscripts and dozens of writers all have in common.
It’s been a wonderful year of editing, full of amazing stories and equally amazing writers. And I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store!
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Make Sure Even Your "Slow" Scenes Keep Your Readers Hooked | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:20:32 | |
Four questions to make every scene of your novel un-put-down-able.
Your story is worth reading from cover to cover. Here’s how to make sure you don’t lose your readers during a dull moment midway through.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Figure Out What Your Character REALLY Wants | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:23:41 | |
Make your readers care about your story by getting specific about what your protagonist wants—and why.
You might just discover new layers to your character you didn’t even know were there.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Behind the Scenes of a Deep Dive Manuscript Evaluation | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:30:19 | |
The 7 layers of analysis I use to edit a fourth draft of a novel.
If you’ve ever wondered what a developmental editor is thinking when they’re editing a novel . . .
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Flesh Out Flat Characters With Just 4 Questions | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:21:08 | |
The minimum viable character questionnaire to develop all your side characters.
Links mentioned in the episode:
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| The Most Important Principle When Choosing Your Point of View | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:15:20 | |
Use the limitations of your POV to enhance your story.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| What NOT to Say to Your Developmental Editor | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:19:15 | |
How to make the most of your editor’s feedback—even if you disagree with it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of working with an editor, this episode is for you. I hope it makes it a little easier—and more exciting!—to get an editor’s feedback.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Use This One Editing Tip for Everything You Write | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:27:56 | |
How to developmentally edit absolutely ANY piece of writing.
This episode is extra-special—and not just because I love this editing tip.
If you’re not using an Apple device, feel free to send me an email at alice@alicesudlow.com and tell me what you love about the podcast. We’ll have a party in my email inbox!
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| [BONUS EP] How to Choose the Right Writing Resources for YOU Right Now, Part 2 | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:23:58 | |
A simple decision-making framework to help you find YOUR best writing path.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| How to Choose the Right Writing Resources for YOU Right Now, Part 1 | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:27:09 | |
How to answer the question, “When should I work with an editor?”
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Scene Structure: How the 6 Elements of Story Work in the First Scene of How to Train Your Dragon | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:25:14 | |
See the masterful story structure that undergirds the opening scene of How to Train Your Dragon.
Want more? You can see my full analysis of How to Train Your Dragon all on one spreadsheet. Go to alicesudlow.com/dragon to get the spreadsheet.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||
| Act Structure: How the 6 Elements of Story Work in Act 1 of How to Train Your Dragon | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:23:57 | |
The story structure that makes the first act of How to Train Your Dragon work.
Plus, you can get my full spreadsheet analyzing How to Train Your Dragon at alicesudlow.com/dragon.
FREE: Join Me at Escape the Plot Forest If you're enjoying the episodes on the 6 Elements of Story, you won't want to miss the Escape the Plot Forest summit from October 18 to 22. 4 days + 40 story experts + $0 And on Saturday, October 18, I'll be digging deeper into the 6 Elements of Story, including some tips that haven't made it to the podcast yet. Grab your free ticket at alicesudlow.com/plot. 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 » | |||