Writing your first rough draft is often the most daunting part of the book-writing process. Your ideas are swirling in your head, but getting them down on paper in a coherent way can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: your rough draft doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s just your first attempt at bringing your ideas to life. The key is to get something down—anything that you can later refine and improve. Without it, there’s nothing to edit or build on.
Whether you’re writing your first book or you’ve tackled drafts before, mastering the rough draft stage is the essential milestone that sets the foundation for everything else. Let’s break it down and show you how to write a rough draft that you can build on.
What is a Rough Draft?
A rough draft is your first full attempt at writing your book, an initial version that allows you to lay out your ideas, characters, and plot. It’s far from perfect, and that’s okay! The purpose is to get your thoughts on paper in a form you can revise and improve.
It’s tempting to think the first draft has to be polished, but that’s not true. Remember this quote from Shannon Hale:
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box, so that later, I can build castles.”
This draft is just the beginning—a stepping stone toward the finished product.
What’s the Difference Between a Rough Draft and a Final Draft?
A final draft is ready for publication. It’s clean, coherent, and polished, while a rough draft is messy, unrefined, and full of room for improvement.
The process from rough draft to final draft includes several rounds of edits, feedback, and revisions. So don’t stress if your rough draft isn’t perfect—it’s meant to be revised!
8 Steps to Writing a Successful Rough Draft
Here are our top strategies to help you navigate the rough draft process and get that manuscript down:
1. Set Your Timeline
Determine how much time you’ll need to finish your rough draft. Whether you’re aiming for a 30-day sprint like NaNoWriMo or taking it slow over the course of a few months, defining a timeline helps you stay motivated and on track.
2. Brainstorm and Mindmap
This is where your creativity takes center stage. Start by brainstorming ideas and jotting down everything that comes to mind about your story or topic. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Let your ideas flow and see where they take you.
Use mind maps, lists, or even simple sketches to get all your thoughts out. This is your prewriting phase—get it all on paper before you start structuring it.
3. Gather Your Materials
Before you dive into writing, make sure you have everything you need:
- Any research or resources you’ve collected
- Your outline or a basic structure
- Writing tools or software (e.g., Google Docs, Scrivener)
- A distraction-free writing space
Having these ready will help you stay focused once you start writing.
4. Start Structuring Your Book
Once you’ve got your ideas flowing, it’s time to begin organizing them. Group your ideas into themes or sections. If you’re writing nonfiction, focus on main points or arguments. For fiction, organize your plot or character arcs.
At this stage, you don’t need perfect chapter breakdowns—just general structure that will give you direction.
5. Don’t Worry About Chapter Titles (Yet)
Avoid the trap of perfectionism. Don’t stress over naming chapters or making things “just right” at this stage. The key is to write freely without the pressure of making everything neat and tidy. You can come back and adjust later.
6. Create a Writing Routine
A consistent writing routine is essential for progress. Whether it’s writing 500 words a day or dedicating 45 minutes a day, set realistic goals that work for you.
Don’t forget to reward yourself after hitting milestones! Making the process enjoyable will help you stay motivated.
7. Dive into Your Introduction
Start writing the first section that comes to mind, whether it’s the introduction or a pivotal scene. Don’t worry about perfection—just get started, and remember, you can always edit later.
8. Keep Writing, Don’t Sweat the Details
At this stage, focus on getting your ideas down. Don’t stop to fix every little detail or perfect transitions. If you’re unsure about something, leave a note to yourself and move on. Your rough draft is just the beginning.
What Comes After Your Rough Draft?
Once your rough draft is finished, the real work begins. It’s time to go back and edit. Start by self-editing, checking for any major plot holes, grammar issues, or inconsistencies. After that, consider sending it to a professional editor who can refine your work further.
Remember: your rough draft is not the end of the journey, but an essential step toward creating a polished manuscript.
Quick Tips to Help You Get Started:
- Don’t edit as you go—just keep writing.
- Use your outline to guide your drafting.
- Set small writing goals to stay consistent.
- Consider using writing software for organization and tracking progress.
- Allow yourself to write badly—imperfection is part of the process.