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Page One to Done: Finish Your Novel in 30 Days with the Fast Drafting Method
Finally finish the first draft of your novel with a method that maximizes efficiency, speed, and joy—from the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.
After months (or years) of writing, are you left with nothing but a folder full of false starts? Do you have a novel you were once excited to write but abandoned after only a few chapters—or even halfway through? Are you trapped in an endless cycle of rewrites, self-doubt, and perfectionism?
Enter the Novel Fast Drafting a proven approach for getting your book out of your head and onto the page in as little as 30 days. Best-selling author and writing coach Jessica Brody will guide you step-by-step through her 3-phase process that’s helped thousands of writers finish their first drafts in weeks instead of
Adopt the mindset of a “chronic finisher” and overcome the destructive beliefs that cause 97% of writers to quit Build your story’s foundation, set achievable goals, and prepare both your day-to-day life and writing schedule for Master proven strategies to maintain consistent momentum, discover the story faster, and finish in record time—so you’re ready to revise with confidence and clarity
With fast drafting, you’ll gain the mental space, freedom, and motivation to easily and more joyfully finish every writing project you start—faster than you ever thought possible.
This audio product contains a PDF with supporting material, and the PDF is available to download.
After months (or years) of writing, are you left with nothing but a folder full of false starts? Do you have a novel you were once excited to write but abandoned after only a few chapters—or even halfway through? Are you trapped in an endless cycle of rewrites, self-doubt, and perfectionism?
Enter the Novel Fast Drafting a proven approach for getting your book out of your head and onto the page in as little as 30 days. Best-selling author and writing coach Jessica Brody will guide you step-by-step through her 3-phase process that’s helped thousands of writers finish their first drafts in weeks instead of
Adopt the mindset of a “chronic finisher” and overcome the destructive beliefs that cause 97% of writers to quit Build your story’s foundation, set achievable goals, and prepare both your day-to-day life and writing schedule for Master proven strategies to maintain consistent momentum, discover the story faster, and finish in record time—so you’re ready to revise with confidence and clarity
With fast drafting, you’ll gain the mental space, freedom, and motivation to easily and more joyfully finish every writing project you start—faster than you ever thought possible.
This audio product contains a PDF with supporting material, and the PDF is available to download.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Jessica Brody
53 books2,847 followersJessica Brody is the author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults including The Geography of Lost Things, The Chaos of Standing Still, Amelia Gray is Almost Okay, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy which is a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, co-written with Joanne Rendell. She’s also the author of the #1 bestselling novel-writing guides, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel as well as several books based on popular Disney franchises like Descendants and LEGO Disney Princess. Jessica’s books have been translated and published in over 20 languages and several have been optioned for film and television. She’s the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy and lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 29, 2026
Hallelujah, this book may have gotten me back into writing after a six-year slump! I’m hoping to start fast drafting my next novel in hopefully less than a month!
May 21, 2026
I followed the three-step methodology outlined in Page One to Done, and I finished the first draft of my novel in six weeks! It took me a year or two to finish a draft in the past, so the steps in this book really sped up my process.
It gives you mindset tricks to help you "write forward" with "invisible revision" so you don't go back and edit your work, potentially wasting time. It also has tips to develop a writing routine, how to set yourself up for a writing session, what to do after a writing session, and a lot more!
I took Jessica Brody's Fast Drafting course inside her Writing Mastery Academy, which outlines this same methodology, and this book provides everything in the course and more.
Thanks, Jessica!
It gives you mindset tricks to help you "write forward" with "invisible revision" so you don't go back and edit your work, potentially wasting time. It also has tips to develop a writing routine, how to set yourself up for a writing session, what to do after a writing session, and a lot more!
I took Jessica Brody's Fast Drafting course inside her Writing Mastery Academy, which outlines this same methodology, and this book provides everything in the course and more.
Thanks, Jessica!
June 20, 2026
This book didn’t really touch on anything I personally struggle with when it comes to finishing a manuscript (writing something quickly that’s actually coherent enough to revise). I was on the fence about picking it up because I wasn’t sure if it would cover making faster revisions too (where I personally struggle).
To confirm, this book is strictly about writing a messy first draft fast, not producing a relatively coherent manuscript (the kind of thing you could share with alpha readers) fast.
If you’ve read a lot of books on general productivity and standard best practices for novel drafting, there’s nothing new here. But for new writers and those who haven’t read much about productivity, the book could be very helpful. It pulls a lot of useful advice from other books and applies it specifically to novel drafting in one place.
Note that a lot of the advice in here may not work for you if you’re neurodivergent. It’s very by the book: write at the same time consistently, outline first, don’t edit as you go, etc. I use some of these approaches myself as an AuDHDer, but I know most of the standard advice doesn’t work for me.
Brody does make room to talk about variations and exceptions in places, but this is very much a book about her personal process—which she doesn’t hide and is completely fine).
I’d say this is worth a read if you take a long time to finish first drafts and popular productivity advice tends to work for you. I actually suspect you might jive with this method if you swear by the Save the Cat method, though the fact that it wasn’t very helpful for me could be completely incidental.
To confirm, this book is strictly about writing a messy first draft fast, not producing a relatively coherent manuscript (the kind of thing you could share with alpha readers) fast.
If you’ve read a lot of books on general productivity and standard best practices for novel drafting, there’s nothing new here. But for new writers and those who haven’t read much about productivity, the book could be very helpful. It pulls a lot of useful advice from other books and applies it specifically to novel drafting in one place.
Note that a lot of the advice in here may not work for you if you’re neurodivergent. It’s very by the book: write at the same time consistently, outline first, don’t edit as you go, etc. I use some of these approaches myself as an AuDHDer, but I know most of the standard advice doesn’t work for me.
Brody does make room to talk about variations and exceptions in places, but this is very much a book about her personal process—which she doesn’t hide and is completely fine).
I’d say this is worth a read if you take a long time to finish first drafts and popular productivity advice tends to work for you. I actually suspect you might jive with this method if you swear by the Save the Cat method, though the fact that it wasn’t very helpful for me could be completely incidental.
June 8, 2026
Not out of my rut yet, but I think this will help
I didn't do the exercises as I read, so I didn't come out of this book like "Yes I will now be a writing machine!" I plan to go back to them now, though. This was a well put-together book. As a book coach myself, I already knew and practiced most of these techniques. The reason I still read wiring books, though, is because I always come away with a couple of tidbits of inspiration. This book was no exception. TBD on whether it gets me out of my funk. Off to do the exercises!
I didn't do the exercises as I read, so I didn't come out of this book like "Yes I will now be a writing machine!" I plan to go back to them now, though. This was a well put-together book. As a book coach myself, I already knew and practiced most of these techniques. The reason I still read wiring books, though, is because I always come away with a couple of tidbits of inspiration. This book was no exception. TBD on whether it gets me out of my funk. Off to do the exercises!
June 27, 2026
As a writing craft book junkie, I couldn't resist. This book isn't so much about writing craft as drafting strategy. Drafting is the worst part of writing—undisputed. Brody does a great job of describing the drafting process as "making clay." A sculptor can't mold air. He needs something there. Drafting is the process of getting a story down on paper so that the writer can then revise it into a work of art.
I've never written a book, but I've written enough to know that the magic of writing happens in revision. Drafting is the painful process of simply telling the story as it comes. In revision, the story undergoes its makeover. The draft shows up ugly, and after revision, comes out beautiful on the other side.
I like Brody's two main strategies: relentless forward momentum and invisible revisions. I feel like these two approaches make drafting seem much more doable.
Relentless forward momentum: I agree that there's no point in editing—even just one pass—a scene that may not make it into the final book. I find that editing something causes it to become precious to me, and I resist cutting it simply because of the time I invested in polishing it up, even if it doesn't serve a purpose.
Invisible revisions: This makes a lot of sense. Why go back and incorporate revisions on a first draft? That's what second drafts are for. I found this so freeing.
I want to respect the author by not summarizing or giving away her main points in this review, but I feel like these two approaches are the foundation of the book. There are many other great tips, such as creating a routine that sets you up for success, eliminating distractions, and exercises to push through writer's block, but relentless forward momentum and invisible revisions are the two keys.
Overall, this was very motivating and inspiring.
I've never written a book, but I've written enough to know that the magic of writing happens in revision. Drafting is the painful process of simply telling the story as it comes. In revision, the story undergoes its makeover. The draft shows up ugly, and after revision, comes out beautiful on the other side.
I like Brody's two main strategies: relentless forward momentum and invisible revisions. I feel like these two approaches make drafting seem much more doable.
Relentless forward momentum: I agree that there's no point in editing—even just one pass—a scene that may not make it into the final book. I find that editing something causes it to become precious to me, and I resist cutting it simply because of the time I invested in polishing it up, even if it doesn't serve a purpose.
Invisible revisions: This makes a lot of sense. Why go back and incorporate revisions on a first draft? That's what second drafts are for. I found this so freeing.
I want to respect the author by not summarizing or giving away her main points in this review, but I feel like these two approaches are the foundation of the book. There are many other great tips, such as creating a routine that sets you up for success, eliminating distractions, and exercises to push through writer's block, but relentless forward momentum and invisible revisions are the two keys.
Overall, this was very motivating and inspiring.
June 4, 2026
Wow. I just finished Page One to Done by Jessica Brody, author of Save the Cat Writes a Novel. The timing of its release was perfect, as I had just finished outlining my first novel, Reclaiming Me.
The book has 3 sections:
• Mindset – always helpful and needed for writers
• Preparation – how to brainstorm before you write your story
Even though I had completed my outline, this section helped me check off boxes to ensure I had all the elements in place before I start writing. Did I develop the characters? How’s the setting? Am I hitting the right beats?
The real reason I bought the book was the third section:
• Drafting
Now that I’m at the drafting phase, I had no idea how to go about it. My plan was simply to sit down at my computer and pound out hundreds of words every day. Whether you’re a new writer like myself or a seasoned veteran, you’ll enjoy this book and walk away encouraged to finish your writing project, whatever stage you’re in.
Jessica is both informative and entertaining. I highlighted so many things that my highlighter ran out. Each section ends with a summary, which is perfect for busy writers who just need a quick refresher on what to do before, during, after, and in between writing sessions.
So what are you waiting for? Go get your copy now. As for me, I’m off to draft my first novel, and I’m gonna do it FAST using the strategies Jessica outlines in this book.
Happy reading and writing.
The book has 3 sections:
• Mindset – always helpful and needed for writers
• Preparation – how to brainstorm before you write your story
Even though I had completed my outline, this section helped me check off boxes to ensure I had all the elements in place before I start writing. Did I develop the characters? How’s the setting? Am I hitting the right beats?
The real reason I bought the book was the third section:
• Drafting
Now that I’m at the drafting phase, I had no idea how to go about it. My plan was simply to sit down at my computer and pound out hundreds of words every day. Whether you’re a new writer like myself or a seasoned veteran, you’ll enjoy this book and walk away encouraged to finish your writing project, whatever stage you’re in.
Jessica is both informative and entertaining. I highlighted so many things that my highlighter ran out. Each section ends with a summary, which is perfect for busy writers who just need a quick refresher on what to do before, during, after, and in between writing sessions.
So what are you waiting for? Go get your copy now. As for me, I’m off to draft my first novel, and I’m gonna do it FAST using the strategies Jessica outlines in this book.
Happy reading and writing.
June 10, 2026
I’m not sure if fast drafting is for me yet (I quite enjoy not having to do five revisions of my fist draft after I’m done with it — as seems to be the case with the mess you leave behind when fast-drafting), but I’ll definitely give it a try and probably adjust to my needs and writing flow. And I truly believe that many of the writing tips (especially the ones on how to get into flow!) will be invaluable.
I’ve read Save the Cat! Writes a Novel before and (as a total pantser, who pretty much lets her heroes dictate how her stories evolve) I felt a little too overwhelmed by the amount of prep work needed before even sitting down to write. Figuring out all the 15 beats beforehand seemed quite impossible. But this is different. Yes, there’s still the preparation phase you should go through, but in this book Jessica explains where you can “cut some corners” if you’re not the plotter kind of writer. And that’s freeing. I don’t feel like I’m lacking something anymore.
Actually, having read about how many things still change while drafting even the most meticulously planned-out novels, I believe that using this method (and taking some of Jessica’s tips into consideration), I can still write the way I’m used to — just faster. :)
So anyhow, thanks for writing this book. I definitely needed it at this exact point of my writing career!
I’ve read Save the Cat! Writes a Novel before and (as a total pantser, who pretty much lets her heroes dictate how her stories evolve) I felt a little too overwhelmed by the amount of prep work needed before even sitting down to write. Figuring out all the 15 beats beforehand seemed quite impossible. But this is different. Yes, there’s still the preparation phase you should go through, but in this book Jessica explains where you can “cut some corners” if you’re not the plotter kind of writer. And that’s freeing. I don’t feel like I’m lacking something anymore.
Actually, having read about how many things still change while drafting even the most meticulously planned-out novels, I believe that using this method (and taking some of Jessica’s tips into consideration), I can still write the way I’m used to — just faster. :)
So anyhow, thanks for writing this book. I definitely needed it at this exact point of my writing career!
May 21, 2026
I preordered this book, because I really liked her previous book, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, but I found I was fussing way too much over the outline over actually just writing. This was a problem that spanned multiple techniques - not just the Save the Cat model.
The advice in this book is genuinely, unironically, life changing. I think the biggest piece of advice given in the book is approaching your manuscript with curiosity and asking questions. So, so many plot holes of mine, stalls, and more have been solved simply by asking questions, rereading my 'invisible revision' notes, and more.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Even authors who have finished books, but ESPECIALLY anyone who's either not started their own novels, or struggles to finish. Please, please read this book. It'll change your life.
The advice in this book is genuinely, unironically, life changing. I think the biggest piece of advice given in the book is approaching your manuscript with curiosity and asking questions. So, so many plot holes of mine, stalls, and more have been solved simply by asking questions, rereading my 'invisible revision' notes, and more.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Even authors who have finished books, but ESPECIALLY anyone who's either not started their own novels, or struggles to finish. Please, please read this book. It'll change your life.
June 14, 2026
This book has blown me away. So many practical things that I can apply immediately. I’m so excited to try this fast drafting method with my next draft. I’ve been floundering for two years with a draft and I think this may be the exact help I’ve been looking for. I always get stuck in writing and rewriting and going backwards but Jessica Brody’s advice to let your draft be messy and to “always draft forward” has helped me to write 700-950 words in a 20 minute writing sprint - a word count that used to take me an hour to do. I’m so grateful for Jessica writing this book. I know that this book is going to revolutionize the way I approach drafting my novels. And I hope that I’ll be able to write and share more stories with the world because of it. Thank you so much Jessica!
June 25, 2026
Another great craft book from Jessica Brody of the Writing Mastery Academy and Save The Cat! Writes A Novel fame. This one outlines the psychology, physical preparation, and planning involved in writing a first draft as fast as you can, in a timeline that works for you.
Set out in easy steps with examples, anecdotes, and all the solid advice summarized at the end of each chapter, it’s a must-have for writers looking to overcome procrastination, self-doubt, and perfectionism. It will also help you get your story out of your head and onto the page quickly so that you can then do the work of shaping that messy first draft into a book. Highly recommended.
Set out in easy steps with examples, anecdotes, and all the solid advice summarized at the end of each chapter, it’s a must-have for writers looking to overcome procrastination, self-doubt, and perfectionism. It will also help you get your story out of your head and onto the page quickly so that you can then do the work of shaping that messy first draft into a book. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2026
I really like this book. It's a no-nonsense guide with practical techniques and backing in psychological studies. It's easy to read, well-organized, and has summaries/checklists at the end of every chapter for easy future reference. And though I already knew and/or implemented some of the techniques presented in the book, I appreciate both their reinforcement and the new suggestions I hadn't considered before. I see how certain old habits have kept me from fast drafting and how to do better for future projects.
June 18, 2026
The conversational style will reassure us writers whether we're starting a first draft or (like me) a 999th. Jessica offers plenty of tips, like "invisible revision," to boost us into action and over hurdles we find in our way. Most important of all, she reminds us repeatedly not to compare our early drafts to the published masterpieces we know and love.
If I'd had Page One to Done back in ancient times (2000s), I'm sure I would have produced a final product a few dozen years and rewrites earlier.
If I'd had Page One to Done back in ancient times (2000s), I'm sure I would have produced a final product a few dozen years and rewrites earlier.
May 25, 2026
Less time spent drafting, more fun exploring!
I learned Jessica Brody’s fast drafting method from the Writing Mastery Academy course by that name, and it was a game changer for me. I can fast draft a 90K-word novel in 8 weeks that used to take more than a year. Moreover, fast drafting has rekindled my sense of discovery, play, and creative joy. This book teaches fast drafting in a clear, accessible, and easily referenced format. This book stays open on my desk!
I learned Jessica Brody’s fast drafting method from the Writing Mastery Academy course by that name, and it was a game changer for me. I can fast draft a 90K-word novel in 8 weeks that used to take more than a year. Moreover, fast drafting has rekindled my sense of discovery, play, and creative joy. This book teaches fast drafting in a clear, accessible, and easily referenced format. This book stays open on my desk!
June 6, 2026
This book is NOT about pumping out a book a month. Jessica Brody's method is about writing a deeper, richer version of your novel. I'm a writer who takes forever to move forward because I think I need to go back and make everything perfect before I can continue. Jessica's two key strategies - Persistent Forward Momentum and Invisible Revisions - keep me from doing that and got me to the end of my novel in 30 days. Positively brilliant!
June 15, 2026
If you’re a writer, this is one of the best books you can pick up to help you get started! Jessica Brody is super knowledgeable in the Save the Cat method, but what she’s done here is condense it into a manageable format while shuffling in her own methods and resources for writing novels. What you get is an excellent guide to begin drafting without being overwhelmed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (along with all her other books!)
July 5, 2026
A good book from the author behind Save The Cat Writes a Novel. I don't know if I would call it a must-read for people looking to draft faster, but if you're on the fence about it, or a friend offers you a copy, I would suggest giving it a read. I'm a slow drafter. So this was full of good ideas to try to draft faster. I've seen some online, in different places, and this brings all the advice together in a single place that you can reference throughout your writing career.
June 8, 2026
A great companion to her Save the Cat book, this one is more about how to get through that first draft without giving up. The title is a bit misleading though. I think it should read: Finish Your First Draft in 30 Days... To me, "finish your novel" implies editing as well, because you can't send a "finished novel" to a publisher when it's still in draft phase.
June 30, 2026
If you’re unfamiliar with fast drafting, this might be a good book to grab. If you already know the concept, there’s nothing revelatory to be found.
The author also includes lots of productivity advice you can find in many of the popular books in that niche. She does show how those strategies apply directly to writing fiction, which you may find helpful.
The author also includes lots of productivity advice you can find in many of the popular books in that niche. She does show how those strategies apply directly to writing fiction, which you may find helpful.
July 5, 2026
Excellent advice for new writers and those wanting to try something new
Jessica Brody’s introduction to Fast Drafting is interesting, encouraging, and well organized. Plus there are links to all kinds of free resources. This is an expanded version of the course that’s available in her Writing Mastery Academy, which I also recommend.
Jessica Brody’s introduction to Fast Drafting is interesting, encouraging, and well organized. Plus there are links to all kinds of free resources. This is an expanded version of the course that’s available in her Writing Mastery Academy, which I also recommend.
May 24, 2026
While I’ve already discovered that I do better when “fast” is not my primary drafting focus, this still had lots of great suggestions and ideas. It’s so rare to find nonfiction about the actual daily habit of writing. It’s worth an initial read through and will serve as a future reference.
May 31, 2026
Jessica’s writing craft books are so approachable! Page One to Done makes writing feel a lot less intimidating, and shares great techniques in a very easy to read format. I picked up so many great tips that I am excited to implement.
June 8, 2026
I have listened to Page one to Done, twice and 'Save the Cat Writes a Novel' many times. Together they are exactly what I needed to help me with my first novel. I can't sing Jessica Brody's praises enough!
Peter
Adelaide Australia
Peter
Adelaide Australia
June 12, 2026
I love Save The Cat writes a Novel and the YA version even more so this was an instant buy
And I was not disappointed!
As usual Jessica gives tangible and actionable advice while not leave your creative self behind!
And I was not disappointed!
As usual Jessica gives tangible and actionable advice while not leave your creative self behind!
June 21, 2026
I have been struggling with my first draft of two novels for years! This book gave me a tough of tips and mental game plans to use and I know I’ll get these stories finished!
It was a great combination of actionable items and mental game plan conversations that make you feel and know you are not alone in the writing process.
It was a great combination of actionable items and mental game plan conversations that make you feel and know you are not alone in the writing process.
May 25, 2026
Very Helpful & Encouraging! Time to get to work and write write write. I'm not going to beat myself up along the way anymore.
May 26, 2026
Looks gimmicky from the outside but actually very good.
June 3, 2026
If you are trying to finish a rough draft, this book can potentially turn your notions about writing, perfectionism and procrastination upside right.
June 7, 2026
Jessica has put so many great suggestions into this book that it is going to be a lot harder making excuses for not finishing not only the first but all drafts.
June 11, 2026
Great advice and inspiring ♥️ I've been part of her writing community and this
Book did not disappoint!
Book did not disappoint!
June 11, 2026
Useful, practical and encouraging. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of writing a novel but unsure how to start.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews