How Will You Know When Your Novel Is Done?

2026-02-03

Download

When will you be truly satisfied with your novel? How will you know when you’ve succeeded?How will you know when you’re done?Will it be when you LOVE your book? When you stop cringing as you read it? When you can’t think of a single change left to make?When beta readers rave about it? When they tell you the romantic scenes made them swoon and the funny scenes made them laugh, the scary scenes gave them nightmares and the sad scenes made them cry?When a reader tells you your book impacted them profoundly? That ...

When will you be truly satisfied with your novel? How will you know when you’ve succeeded?

How will you know when you’re done?

Will it be when you LOVE your book? When you stop cringing as you read it? When you can’t think of a single change left to make?

When beta readers rave about it? When they tell you the romantic scenes made them swoon and the funny scenes made them laugh, the scary scenes gave them nightmares and the sad scenes made them cry?

When a reader tells you your book impacted them profoundly? That it changed the way they think about something that matters?

Or will it be when an agent requests your full manuscript, then returns with an offer of representation? When an editor offers you a book deal? When your book is published and you see it on bookstore shelves?

One of the most difficult editing decisions you’ll face is determining when your book is done. When you have finished, when it’s ready to share with the world, when this project you’ve poured so much of your heart into is complete.

In this episode, I’ll help you uncover the factors that matter most to you.

You’ll learn:

How most writers I talk to define “success”
What agents are REALLY looking for
Why you want and NEED external validation—and when external validation becomes harmful, not helpful
What you TRULY want for your book
And more!

Calling your book “done” will always be a challenging decision. After all, art is never finished, only abandoned.

But when you know what you value most, you can chase it with clarity and determination, and celebrate when you reach it.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Interested in working with me? Fill out the form at: alicesudlow.com/contact
Share how you’ll know you’re done: alicesudlow.com/101

Send me a Text Message!

Support the show

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 »

Comments (3)