What do you think?
Rate this book
Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book
"Brilliant, time-tested and clear" advice that will help writers at all stages, in all genres, write their very best book—and then make it better. As a freelance editor for more than a decade, Williams has shepherded books from rough draft to polished manuscripts bought by Big Five houses, university and literary presses, and for independent publishers. Now, she distills everything she's learned from editing hundreds of drafts, coaching writers past creative blocks, and navigating authors through querying and publication, into this useful guide for every step from idea to book.
Seven Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book divides writing and revision into distinct stages, with a new focus in each draft. Williams' frank, funny voice encourages writers to tackle even big editing tasks with a sense of humor and a feeling that someone who understands is on their side.
With plenty of fresh examples, insider wisdom, and snappy footnotes, Seven Drafts teaches story, character, elements of writing craft and structure, how to seek and use feedback, and the publication process. This book will prove invaluable for the writer mindset, with transformative advice on using envy to fuel your own work, finding a writing community, and literary citizenship. Editors and teachers will discover nuts and bolts of what they "already know" and elevate their students' work while refining their own methods.
You'll laugh. You'll write. You'll finish your book, with Seven Drafts on your side.
Praise for Seven Drafts
"Like a friend privately taking you aside, delivering the honest truth you need, in a way that makes you enthusiastic to keep on going, even when the work gets very hard." —Jane Friedman, publishing expert and author of The Business of Being a Writer
"...understands at a molecular level what makes prose work." —Christopher Buehlman, author of The Blacktongue Thief
"...crucial, clear, and inside-secret information...to elevate our grammar, style, and storytelling with precision and joy." —Diane Zinna, author of The All-Night Sun
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
165 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Allison K. Williams
2 books131 followersAllison K Williams is a writer, editor and podcaster. Her work has been seen in Brevity, Kenyon Review Online, Smokelong Quarterly, Story Club, Prairie Schooner’s blog, The Drum, the Christian Science Monitor, and the New York Times. Her radio stories have aired on NPR and CBC-Canada. She serves as Social Media Editor and hosts a literary podcast for Brevity, and lives in Dubai.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 7, 2021
There are many stellar craft books to choose from, but few are both comprehensive and fun to read. In her new book, Seven Drafts, Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book, Allison K. Williams pulls this off. She couples her experience as an editor, playwright, and former aerialist with a biting wit that creates a clear and engaging path through the book writing process. Most writers frustrate themselves by trying to fix everything all at once. Allison explains how to perform targeted edits that systematically improve your manuscript based on what is required at each stage in the revision process. Seven Drafts contains specific examples from popular books that illustrate her points, exercises guaranteed to improve your writing, and a comprehensive self-editing checklist that will have you yelling, “Jackpot!” Allison also addresses issues beyond your manuscript, like when to seek outside feedback, when and how to query agents, and what to look for in a critique group. Read Seven Drafts once to understand the writing landscape, then refer to it again (and again) as you make the most of every draft. As an editor and coach, this book is one I wish I'd written and one I'll continue to refer to and recommend for years to come. If you call yourself a writer, or want to become one, buy this book!
September 7, 2021
Amazing book, every page bristling with gifts. I’m 100 pages in, and had to pause to share this particularly wonderful takeaway.
Writers are always saying they write to connect with readers so that readers know they’re not alone. But it’s not enough. It’s not helpful to share our story “like a eulogy” and let it sit there like a lump of pain on the page.
“Transforming your painful (or joyful!) story into a book that sells means using your writing skill and personal credentials to tie your problem directly to the reader’s own experience.”
What does that mean exactly? It means “showing specific, actionable steps the reader might be inspired to take.”
And with a few deft strokes, Allison provides examples of how writers can meaningfully help readers in family memoirs, medical memoirs, death of a child memoirs, death of a pet memoirs, and more.
The examples are like a door opening, a revelation, a light switched on.
“Write the book that beautifully expresses the pain of your addiction, or the trauma of your childhood, or the desperation of your divorce,” Allison says, “but revise it to directly help the reader.”
In this book, she shows us precisely how to do that. Brilliant.
Writers are always saying they write to connect with readers so that readers know they’re not alone. But it’s not enough. It’s not helpful to share our story “like a eulogy” and let it sit there like a lump of pain on the page.
“Transforming your painful (or joyful!) story into a book that sells means using your writing skill and personal credentials to tie your problem directly to the reader’s own experience.”
What does that mean exactly? It means “showing specific, actionable steps the reader might be inspired to take.”
And with a few deft strokes, Allison provides examples of how writers can meaningfully help readers in family memoirs, medical memoirs, death of a child memoirs, death of a pet memoirs, and more.
The examples are like a door opening, a revelation, a light switched on.
“Write the book that beautifully expresses the pain of your addiction, or the trauma of your childhood, or the desperation of your divorce,” Allison says, “but revise it to directly help the reader.”
In this book, she shows us precisely how to do that. Brilliant.
April 4, 2022
excellent book especially for fiction and memoir but the technical chapter, for everybody, blew me away!
September 8, 2021
The newest craft staple! To be able to teach in a style this comprehensive, concise, and clever is a gift all its own. For writers, new or published, this Seven Drafts is like having Allison by your side, instructing, encouraging, and building you into the writer you always knew you could be. Delivered with hilarity and her characteristic loved-filled-but-never-sugar-coated style, you’ll barely notice that Allison K Williams is holding your feet to the fire as you forge a story that is worth telling and selling.
September 9, 2021
Love this book! Makes the feat of writing a book seem possible. Can’t wait to apply her advice to my own project!
September 8, 2021
For writers, Allison Williams’ book is about independence and reaching to goal. “[Seven Drafts] will help you dispel that lingering doubt about whether you’re really creating anything worthwhile. By the time you’ve gone through seven drafts, your manuscript will be in the best possible shape before querying, self-publishing, or hiring a professional editor.” Seven Drafts is exactly what the title says—a practical, step-by-step, editor’s guide to getting a book done. What really makes this book work is the humor. Allison is LOL funny in person and on the page. (She spent ten years as a circus and street performer; she knows how to work a joke and a crowd.) While I have a bookshelf loaded with books on writing craft (several that I like), I wouldn’t use funny to describe any of them, which makes Seven Drafts a refreshing read and resource.
November 17, 2022
It's true, I finished. I knew it was excellent by the first pages. It did not disappoint. Whether writing nonfiction or fiction, this is the finest advice available.
2021: It's true that I have not read this book yet, nor have it in hand. It is also true that I have met Allison K. Williams once and I have been reading her brief craft essays on the Brevity blog for years. I have no doubt at all that this book is wonderful.
In a recent blog post on Brevity she suggests "many of us still miss personal, human connection without a mediating screen. Gentle crosstalk without a Zoom delay. The warm presence of writerly bodies across a table. Hugs." I consider this book a warm hug to my writer-self.
It's out of stock or it would be on its way to me. I will update.
[I might use the book as the outline for a vigorous NaNo month this year as I work to build a novella to a novel.]
2021: It's true that I have not read this book yet, nor have it in hand. It is also true that I have met Allison K. Williams once and I have been reading her brief craft essays on the Brevity blog for years. I have no doubt at all that this book is wonderful.
In a recent blog post on Brevity she suggests "many of us still miss personal, human connection without a mediating screen. Gentle crosstalk without a Zoom delay. The warm presence of writerly bodies across a table. Hugs." I consider this book a warm hug to my writer-self.
It's out of stock or it would be on its way to me. I will update.
[I might use the book as the outline for a vigorous NaNo month this year as I work to build a novella to a novel.]
April 16, 2022
Seven Drafts: Self-Edit like a Pro, from Blank Page to Book by Allison K. Williams provides a fantastic blueprint for drafting and shaping manuscripts. Journaling questions in Chapter 2 such as, “Why are you telling this story? Do you love this book enough to finish it?” helped me re-engage with a project I’d shelved for some years. Though Allison doesn’t mince words—with wit and skill she’ll call you out and plunk you back down at your desk—she gives generous examples and excellent in-depth step-by-step exercises. I love her direct approach. I dare you to pick up Seven Drafts and open it at random: any page you land on will have invaluable advice and a way to engage more deeply with your work. I have renewed faith in my writing projects….1) that I’m not errant in mucking around in multiple drafts and 2) that I’ll be able now to revise and hone to finish books I love even more. I love sharing Seven Drafts with my writer circles and in the classes I teach.
September 19, 2021
I've got many excellent books about writing on my shelves, but Seven Drafts is the one that will live next to my laptop. I'd heard so many good things about it, and now that my copy has arrived, I understand why. One of the many things I value already is the way the author shows an example of her detailed edits on a client's actual manuscript in progress (with the client's permission, of course). I preordered my copy, and I've already ordered another to gift to a writing friend.
May 19, 2024
Honestly, this took me so long to finish simply because it's packed with excellent writing advice. 10/10, anyone who's writing fiction (or even nonfiction, tbh) should add this to their list!
September 8, 2021
When I first heard about Seven Drafts; Self-Edit Like a Pro From Blank Page to Book, I was approaching the completion of my memoir’s first draft. The author herself was teaching a webinar on second drafts, and, appropriately so, plugged her upcoming book. That was in December of 2020, and Allison K. Williams had entranced me so thoroughly that I signed up shortly thereafter for her next webinar: This is the Year You Finish Your Book, in January of 2021. The aspiration I needed! The speaker I delighted in!
But there was a slight hitch. Seven Drafts had been scheduled for publication in February, if memory serves, and the date was pushing back to March. I am sometimes, perhaps less frequently than might be ideal, patient, and when March arrived, I proceeded to pre-order. And the date slipped again, to May.
I needed the book. In March, I was on my third draft. There were more webinars in the interim, and I found new ways to revise my memoir in the process, but Seven Drafts became my grail! And, as grails do, it faded from my grasp. The release was rescheduled for September.
More webinars. An intensive with Allison in May. A nonfiction writing conference in August. The work didn’t stop. And then heavens smiled at me in late August when I intended a virtual conference hosted by Woodhall, her publisher. An advance copy of Seven Drafts was in the swag bag they mailed to all participants! At last!
With her book in my hands, it was as if I had acquired the longest webinar, the most expert conversation with Allison. A full firehose of ideas, suggestions, and exercises. I turned immediately to chapters four and five, The Technical Edit and The Personal Copyedit. My process, now in my own seventh iteration, was down to a detailed line edit, in preparation for submitting my own manuscript to a publisher, and here Allison was, consoling me, leading me on.
It has been a joy to be able to interact with Allison remotely and in person, behind masks. But now there is also the joy in knowing that I (and everyone else) can find her, interact with her in Seven Drafts. Avail yourself, my writing coevals, of this immense privilege.
But there was a slight hitch. Seven Drafts had been scheduled for publication in February, if memory serves, and the date was pushing back to March. I am sometimes, perhaps less frequently than might be ideal, patient, and when March arrived, I proceeded to pre-order. And the date slipped again, to May.
I needed the book. In March, I was on my third draft. There were more webinars in the interim, and I found new ways to revise my memoir in the process, but Seven Drafts became my grail! And, as grails do, it faded from my grasp. The release was rescheduled for September.
More webinars. An intensive with Allison in May. A nonfiction writing conference in August. The work didn’t stop. And then heavens smiled at me in late August when I intended a virtual conference hosted by Woodhall, her publisher. An advance copy of Seven Drafts was in the swag bag they mailed to all participants! At last!
With her book in my hands, it was as if I had acquired the longest webinar, the most expert conversation with Allison. A full firehose of ideas, suggestions, and exercises. I turned immediately to chapters four and five, The Technical Edit and The Personal Copyedit. My process, now in my own seventh iteration, was down to a detailed line edit, in preparation for submitting my own manuscript to a publisher, and here Allison was, consoling me, leading me on.
Skip the ‘duh’ adverbs.
Many modifiers are redundant.
The em dash is your friend!
It has been a joy to be able to interact with Allison remotely and in person, behind masks. But now there is also the joy in knowing that I (and everyone else) can find her, interact with her in Seven Drafts. Avail yourself, my writing coevals, of this immense privilege.
September 8, 2021
Being a writer is hard, being a writer now in a world turbocharged by distractions and new demands, requires more than just focus, it requires a dizzying array of tools. Luckily there’s Allison K Williams and her book, “Seven Drafts Self-Edit Like A Pro From Blank Page to Book”. Replete with exercises, examples, myth-busters, and guidance on everything from dealing with that nagging writer envy, to how to stay on course with your book draft after draft, Seven Drafts will teach you how to excel as a writer, and how to push past the pain to enjoy the process. It holds your hand with rare humanity and wisdom that you usually only expect from a friend who genuinely cares for your art. You will chuckle, nod vigorously and be inspired to overhaul your writerly mind. Allison K Williams is a generous person, editor, writer, and she brings that incredible generosity to each page of this book that will show you not only how to edit, but also how to give and receive support and find joy in the collective writing community. No-nonsense, full of practical steps, you need Seven Drafts on your bedside table, on your writer’s desk and as the guidebook leading your writing workshops and reader feedback groups. You will be a better writer, reader, writing community member for it!
October 4, 2021
If you're a seasoned writer, a newbie writer, even a wannabe writer, I'll venture you've already read (and probably still own) countless writing books. But trust me, you need to add Allison K. Williams' new craft book, Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro From Blank Page to Book, to your collection.
Over the past few years, I've been fortunate enough to attend many of Williams' writing presentations and retreats, so I speak with authority when I tell you, this book is as fast-talking and informative as Williams herself. Williams has put down her finest, wisest, and wittiest writing advice on the page; she doesn't hold anything back.
Williams is remarkably adept at conveying information in a manner that is both highly intelligible and digestible, a combo too rare these days. Delivered in short, relevant bursts (and accompanied by a kick-ass index), you won't have to put the writing of your book off while you read this (yes, I've used that delay tactic one too many times myself). Instead, you'll be inspired to write each and every time you pick up Seven Drafts. It's that good!
Reading Williams kind of leaves me with the feeling I had in college--you might know the one: you've just left class with your favorite professor, the one who challenged your assumptions, opened your mind, and made you WANT to study or write that paper or change your major to her discipline! It's like that everytime I pick up Seven Drafts. Williams makes me WANT to write my book; more importantly, she provides concrete guidance for how to do this, no matter where one is at in the process.
If you didn't think you needed yet another writing book ... think again. This is the one that's going to guide you (and me) all the way to finish line.
Over the past few years, I've been fortunate enough to attend many of Williams' writing presentations and retreats, so I speak with authority when I tell you, this book is as fast-talking and informative as Williams herself. Williams has put down her finest, wisest, and wittiest writing advice on the page; she doesn't hold anything back.
Williams is remarkably adept at conveying information in a manner that is both highly intelligible and digestible, a combo too rare these days. Delivered in short, relevant bursts (and accompanied by a kick-ass index), you won't have to put the writing of your book off while you read this (yes, I've used that delay tactic one too many times myself). Instead, you'll be inspired to write each and every time you pick up Seven Drafts. It's that good!
Reading Williams kind of leaves me with the feeling I had in college--you might know the one: you've just left class with your favorite professor, the one who challenged your assumptions, opened your mind, and made you WANT to study or write that paper or change your major to her discipline! It's like that everytime I pick up Seven Drafts. Williams makes me WANT to write my book; more importantly, she provides concrete guidance for how to do this, no matter where one is at in the process.
If you didn't think you needed yet another writing book ... think again. This is the one that's going to guide you (and me) all the way to finish line.
August 28, 2021
Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book is a fantastic resource for both new and experienced writers.
Seven Drafts is a guide about how to create a manuscript and then tighten it so that it's ready to put out in the world. It offers specific, easy to follow, step-by-step advice, as well as support and encouragement.
Williams covers a lot of ground in Seven Drafts, from (and this are only a few examples): writing stronger sentences, verbs/adverbs/adjectives, what to put in (and leave out of) a memoir, how to get useful feedback, and about traditional versus self-publishing.
As a writer, I appreciated the guidance and the specific information about shaping and crafting a manuscript. As an editor, I was overjoyed to see the sort of issues that I repeatedly encounter addressed in a way that's simple for a writer to follow and which guides them to make the sort of fixes that allows an editor to not merely correct, but to polish an author's work.
Seven Drafts is the sort of book that I wish had existed when I was a new writer. The encouraging and casual writing style makes it enjoyable to read, and the information provided is invaluable for any writer. I felt like I had a friend by my side, encouraging me to create and succeed. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and will be reading it again and recommending it to all my clients and writing friends.
Seven Drafts is a guide about how to create a manuscript and then tighten it so that it's ready to put out in the world. It offers specific, easy to follow, step-by-step advice, as well as support and encouragement.
Williams covers a lot of ground in Seven Drafts, from (and this are only a few examples): writing stronger sentences, verbs/adverbs/adjectives, what to put in (and leave out of) a memoir, how to get useful feedback, and about traditional versus self-publishing.
As a writer, I appreciated the guidance and the specific information about shaping and crafting a manuscript. As an editor, I was overjoyed to see the sort of issues that I repeatedly encounter addressed in a way that's simple for a writer to follow and which guides them to make the sort of fixes that allows an editor to not merely correct, but to polish an author's work.
Seven Drafts is the sort of book that I wish had existed when I was a new writer. The encouraging and casual writing style makes it enjoyable to read, and the information provided is invaluable for any writer. I felt like I had a friend by my side, encouraging me to create and succeed. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and will be reading it again and recommending it to all my clients and writing friends.
September 7, 2021
Allison's book is amazing! She keeps the reader engaged with her personal wit and charm while still effectively communicating the essential elements of what it takes to get to the finish line. Her approach of tackling one layer of revision at a time makes the job feel manageable. Highly recommended for emerging writers!
September 9, 2021
I have taken a quite few of the author's classes and she really knows her stuff. She helped me get my first paid byline simply by suggesting that I pitch that something I posted on social media. She is extremely knowledgeable with all things editing-related and it's amazing having all of these resources in one place. When you get this book you get great advice delivered only the way this author can deliver it - honest and funny and in a way that makes you want to keep working until you get it right.
October 7, 2021
I love this book! Seven Drafts gives so many reminders for editing that I couldn't wait to dig out my latest draft and go through the checklist: dialogue tags--check; metaphors--check; action tags and modal verbs--check. The book is not only helpful but also laugh-out-loud funny. It's my new favorite writing guide!
October 5, 2021
Allison holds your hand and walks you through the literary labyrinth of creating your own book from scratch. Seven Drafts is a straight-talking, easy-breezy, no-nonsense book, full of relevant and useful pointers. The book is more a guiding force than a mere guide on writing
.
.
September 22, 2021
Regardless of whether you pursue traditional or independent publishing, polishing your manuscript is necessary in today’s competitive market. ‘Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book’ includes revision techniques with examples, a self-editing checklist, and exercises that both novice and advanced writers will find helpful. Williams writes in a witty and engaging style. I have many books on editing and this is definitely a must-have for your editing toolkit.
August 10, 2021
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a bit on the fence with this book, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt. This book had a lot of useful, solid information on the editing and writing process, and if you aren't sure where to start, or just need some helpful reminders, I think this is a solid book that's going to give you a pretty good understanding of what needs to be done and the kind of questions you should be asking yourself about your book.
That being said, the book didn't optimally deliver this information. I found the "introduction" - which dragged on and was overly long-winded - to be sloppy. There was a lot of self-aggrandizing from the writer about their qualifications, lots of fast-paced questions, and a rundown of why you need seven drafts… but I don't think that's necessary. You really don't need seven drafts. You can be more efficient than this, and waste a lot less time. That isn't to say that you can't have 7 drafts, or 8, or 9 if that is what you need to get your book written, but it isn't something you should be aiming for unless you have severe trouble getting started with your writing, and this sort of repeated drafting of an incredibly messy start helps you work through that specific issue. With some solid preparation and plotting, you can whittle that down significantly.
I wish the author had spent more time cutting down the filler in this book to make it more concise, and more efficient to look up helpful information, rather than rambling on and doing little asides, and repeating the same information to try and support their reasoning for why you need seven drafts. Rather than a reference or informational book on how to draft, it came across more like a self-help motivational drafting book, and those are two very different things.
Overall, the book was okay. It had useful information, but you're going to have to slog through a lot of wordiness to get to it. Take your time, get a highlighter.
I'm a bit on the fence with this book, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt. This book had a lot of useful, solid information on the editing and writing process, and if you aren't sure where to start, or just need some helpful reminders, I think this is a solid book that's going to give you a pretty good understanding of what needs to be done and the kind of questions you should be asking yourself about your book.
That being said, the book didn't optimally deliver this information. I found the "introduction" - which dragged on and was overly long-winded - to be sloppy. There was a lot of self-aggrandizing from the writer about their qualifications, lots of fast-paced questions, and a rundown of why you need seven drafts… but I don't think that's necessary. You really don't need seven drafts. You can be more efficient than this, and waste a lot less time. That isn't to say that you can't have 7 drafts, or 8, or 9 if that is what you need to get your book written, but it isn't something you should be aiming for unless you have severe trouble getting started with your writing, and this sort of repeated drafting of an incredibly messy start helps you work through that specific issue. With some solid preparation and plotting, you can whittle that down significantly.
I wish the author had spent more time cutting down the filler in this book to make it more concise, and more efficient to look up helpful information, rather than rambling on and doing little asides, and repeating the same information to try and support their reasoning for why you need seven drafts. Rather than a reference or informational book on how to draft, it came across more like a self-help motivational drafting book, and those are two very different things.
Overall, the book was okay. It had useful information, but you're going to have to slog through a lot of wordiness to get to it. Take your time, get a highlighter.
January 4, 2022
This is a great comprehensive writing manual for drafting and self-editing. I loved that in addition to offering a really solid plan for working through multiple drafts, it also offers a lot of great advice on many aspects of writing a book -- including things like querying, managing rejection, and awards and prizes. I know I'll be going back to reference different sections of the book many times in the future as I work on new projects.
July 11, 2023
There's definitely a lot of good here. Gained some pointers and insight, but I think this would be most beneficial for someone about to revise their first book. Someone who hasn't already developed a process or a "toolkit". It's a good read either way though.
May 10, 2023
I’ve read countless craft books and I’d put this in my top three. It’s indispensable if you’re writing a book, whether fiction or memoir. Packed with excellent advice and craft tips!!
September 7, 2021
I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. For twenty-plus years I have been working to learn how to write, guided by Golberg, Lamott, King and myriad other great writers on writing.
But Allison K. Williams’ SEVEN DRAFTS: SELF-EDIT LIKE PRO FROM BLANK PAGE TO BOOK combines the very best of books that have come before — incisive and illuminating personal stories, an inimitable voice that I love reading over and over again, and detailed, experience-based advice — with crucial, actionable instructions and guidelines for “completing the journey” in taking first drafts all the way to publication.
I have learned more from Allison K. Williams’ single book than all others put together because she takes us through the entire process, and her advice is brilliant, time tested, and clear. Most importantly, this book will help vastly different kinds of writers (at all stages) because it is informed by the author's years of experience teaching, coaching, intensively editing and advising (and sometimes saving) writers all over the world. Whether you write memoir, fiction, short stories, plays, screenplays, etc, SEVEN DRAFTS is a vitally important book to have — not only on your bookshelf, but next to you, open and highlighted, on your desk.
But Allison K. Williams’ SEVEN DRAFTS: SELF-EDIT LIKE PRO FROM BLANK PAGE TO BOOK combines the very best of books that have come before — incisive and illuminating personal stories, an inimitable voice that I love reading over and over again, and detailed, experience-based advice — with crucial, actionable instructions and guidelines for “completing the journey” in taking first drafts all the way to publication.
I have learned more from Allison K. Williams’ single book than all others put together because she takes us through the entire process, and her advice is brilliant, time tested, and clear. Most importantly, this book will help vastly different kinds of writers (at all stages) because it is informed by the author's years of experience teaching, coaching, intensively editing and advising (and sometimes saving) writers all over the world. Whether you write memoir, fiction, short stories, plays, screenplays, etc, SEVEN DRAFTS is a vitally important book to have — not only on your bookshelf, but next to you, open and highlighted, on your desk.
January 5, 2026
I first heard about this book on one of the many YouTube channels regarding writing that I subscribe to. It sound interesting so I ordered a copy. So glad I did.
This is a very beneficial book for writers who are serious about improving their craft. Getting the story out of your head and on to the page is just the first step. That first draft is never, ever perfect, which is exactly where editing comes in. It is about taking several passes at your work to improve it, polish it, and sometimes be brutal and remove the parts that are not working. Williams' book is here to walk you down those steps with wonderful examples along the way.
This is definitely a book on writing and editing advice that I will be revisiting often. Very much recommended for writers to add to their arsenal.
This is a very beneficial book for writers who are serious about improving their craft. Getting the story out of your head and on to the page is just the first step. That first draft is never, ever perfect, which is exactly where editing comes in. It is about taking several passes at your work to improve it, polish it, and sometimes be brutal and remove the parts that are not working. Williams' book is here to walk you down those steps with wonderful examples along the way.
This is definitely a book on writing and editing advice that I will be revisiting often. Very much recommended for writers to add to their arsenal.
September 7, 2021
Allison K. Williams is a gifted teacher who generously shares her writing expertise in Seven Drafts - Self-Edit Like A Pro From Blank Page To Book. Allison delivers what she promises - comprehensive, concise, and pragmatic “how-to” advice on organizing and writing a book. Allison’s thorough draft by draft approach is akin to having her as your very own writing coach and editor, confidently talking you through each step of the process from blank page to publication, all illustrated with superb, practical examples. Seven Drafts - Self-Edit Like A Pro surpasses all the other writing books on my shelf. A must read!
September 7, 2021
Written with courteous goodwill and just the right amount of humor, Seven Drafts touches on every aspect of getting a manuscript ready for publication.
In her inimitable way, Allison K. Williams shares her knowledge of the craft of writing,making it obvious why she was chosen to receive the annual literary citizen award by Hippocampus Magazine in 2021.
From semi-colons to em-dashes, Big Five to self-publishing, just open this book randomly to any page and another gem will fall in your lap.
In her inimitable way, Allison K. Williams shares her knowledge of the craft of writing,making it obvious why she was chosen to receive the annual literary citizen award by Hippocampus Magazine in 2021.
From semi-colons to em-dashes, Big Five to self-publishing, just open this book randomly to any page and another gem will fall in your lap.
December 29, 2021
This book is a fast deep-dive into everything a writer needs to know about going from blank page to finished work of genius. Every paragraph could be an hour-long workshop, inviting you to dig into presenting your work to the world in the way the world is already hungering for it. Allison K. Williams is so dang funny - and her deadpan voice and easy wit come through with every little story and line. I mean, she bills herself as "The Unkind Editor" - which obviously, she's not unkind but she doesn't dance around the truth of what your work needs or what you need to do. If you (or the writer in your life) need a clear pathway to keep on next to their laptop, this is the one.
December 30, 2021
Valuable even when working on the 8th Draft and Beyond
I thought I’d worked really rigorously on my manuscript, but Allison Williams Seven Drafts gives a road map for making sure you really get your book in the best shape ever! It’s like having an encouraging rigorous trainer to make sure you aren’t skimping on your work out! “Root out boring verbs” Check every paragraph to see if it’s necessary! Find your repetitive words! Check everywhere you use “said.” I started at the end and am working backwards. What were the drafts stages I’d missed? Next book I’ll keep this by my side from the beginning.
I thought I’d worked really rigorously on my manuscript, but Allison Williams Seven Drafts gives a road map for making sure you really get your book in the best shape ever! It’s like having an encouraging rigorous trainer to make sure you aren’t skimping on your work out! “Root out boring verbs” Check every paragraph to see if it’s necessary! Find your repetitive words! Check everywhere you use “said.” I started at the end and am working backwards. What were the drafts stages I’d missed? Next book I’ll keep this by my side from the beginning.
November 1, 2025
Allison K. Williams' Seven Drafts is more than just a book on writing; it's a companion for every writer who's ever doubted their worth or wrestled with the chaos of a first draft. With wit, warmth, and hard earned wisdom, Williams takes readers by the hand and walks them through the messy, magical process of turning an idea into a polished manuscript. Her approach is both practical and deeply human, reminding us that writing isn't just about craft, it's about perseverance, joy, and learning to silence that inner critic long enough to get the words on the page.
What sets Seven Drafts apart from the dozens of craft books already collecting dust on bookshelves is Williams' humor and honesty. She makes editing feel less like drudgery and more like a creative adventure. Each chapter is packed with exercises, myth busting advice, and sharp editorial insight, but it's her empathy that shines through most. Williams understands the insecurities that come with writing, and she addresses them with such generosity that you can't help but feel seen and motivated.
This isn't just a guide, it's a writing coach, cheerleader, and truth teller all in one. Seven Drafts deserves a permanent in every writer's bookcase. Whether you're polishing your first novel or preparing to query, this book will not only help you strengthen your work but also remind you why you fell in love with writing in the first place. A must read for anyone serious about their craft. definitely a 5 stars read.
What sets Seven Drafts apart from the dozens of craft books already collecting dust on bookshelves is Williams' humor and honesty. She makes editing feel less like drudgery and more like a creative adventure. Each chapter is packed with exercises, myth busting advice, and sharp editorial insight, but it's her empathy that shines through most. Williams understands the insecurities that come with writing, and she addresses them with such generosity that you can't help but feel seen and motivated.
This isn't just a guide, it's a writing coach, cheerleader, and truth teller all in one. Seven Drafts deserves a permanent in every writer's bookcase. Whether you're polishing your first novel or preparing to query, this book will not only help you strengthen your work but also remind you why you fell in love with writing in the first place. A must read for anyone serious about their craft. definitely a 5 stars read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews