The 5 Step Writing Process

The Writing Process

All writers go through a similar writing process. The five basic steps are examined below:

1. Coming up with an idea: Generating raw material, freewriting, Journal exercises, Reading, Experience, Choosing the gem among the rocks, (expanding and exploring the idea), Getting stuck and moving on.

2. Writing the first draft: Composing and structuring, Experiment with technique, Decide on a genre, Decide on the best structure to tell the story. Write.

3. Revising: developing meaning, Rereading your work to look for a deeper meaning, Sharing your work in a readers’ circle/workshop, Getting feedback and response, Revision: transforming, rearranging, expanding, cutting.

4. Editing: Fine cutting (cutting unnecessary words and paragraphs), Line by line editing, Reviewing word choice, Proofreading for errors.

5. Publication: Preparing the manuscript for public perusal, Sending your manuscript out to publishers, The rejection letter/the acceptance letter, working with an editor/agent/publisher, Publication.