First thing I did was write my manuscript...obviously. I sat and wrote and wrote and wrote taking occasional breaks, but not going back on what I had written no matter how "bad”, it was or how much I "hated" it, that is for later. This is PARAMOUNT. You must not go back no matter what. You will have the urge to change and delete a lot, but you must ignore it for now because it is natural to dislike what you write at first, but you need to get away from it for a little while to give yourself time to think and digest.


            After I completed this stage, I was ready to begin my editing. I printed out my manuscript and began pouring over it searching out each and every error. Then I repeated the process. I did this three or four times, before I asked a few of my peers to read this through and make any corrections they felt necessary.

            In regards to the editing process, it is a general rule that you do not share your first draft with anyone. Now this is not etched in stone, but it is usually for the best since the first draft is usually not your best work. I find my first drafts to be mostly an attempt to get my story out and the succeeding drafts are the part where my story really gets its life. In addition, it is usual practice to have at least three drafts before you judge it done this way you can have several chances to correct errors. Finally it is not super important that you get a peer to read it, it can be helpful, but if you do not have anyone, do not worry about it.

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*I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive any compensation from, LuLu.com for this guide. I merely offer LuLu instructions because it is A.) What I know and, B.) A place where I had a good experience.