THE NEXT DRAFT
A course to guide you through the revision of your book
SO YOUR FINISHED THE FIRST DRAFT, NOW WHAT?
After working so hard to get through a draft of your book, reaching “The End” can feel like a bit of an anticlimax. You’ve been fighting the get the whole story down on the page, only to realize you have no idea what comes next.
Drawing on the wisdom of the authors who appeared in Season 2 of The Secret Library Podcast and my own experience as an editor, proofreader, and the revision of my own novel, we’ll get you working on your next draft with confidence.
WHAT IS THE NEXT DRAFT?
A course to help you plan and begin the revision of your book
Practical lessons - - delivered every two weeks - - to help you apply the techniques and theories discussed in The Next Draft season of The Secret Library (5lessons total)
A series of video modules, checklists, worksheets, and more to have you revising with ease
Tutorials in my simple Scrivener method for writing and revising that has converted dozens of clients and students
The inside scoop on how I used all these methods ib my own novel revision and rewrite
A curated roundup of the books, tools, and resources I’ve personally tested and found essential for revision
I’M CAROLINE DONAHUE, YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Through my work as an editor, proofreader, and in writing my own books I’ve clarified a revision process that works.
In addition, I’ve interviewed over 150 authors about their writing process to find out what led to their success.
If you’re stuck and unsure how to keep going with your book, let’s start your next draft together.
HOW PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT CAROLINE'S COURSES
DANIELLE
“Before we connected I felt stuck. I learned that you can make big changes with small moves. Knowing that setting goals, tweaking them, accomplishing them, and then setting new ones works, has been encouraging and liberating. I will be forever grateful to you, Caroline. Maybe I will write a memoir or book of essays, or maybe my blog will just be a butterfly net capturing, then releasing precious experiences in my life. It doesn’t matter, the process hugely gratifying, and without you, it would not have happened!”
MELISSA
“I wanted to share a bit of news that you definitely had a hand (a word) in making possible. When you did a book consultation with me, you suggested I try a technique of just sitting down and rewriting entirely from memory. To make a long story short, and a short story much better, that, I’m certain, was the technique that finally brought the story into focus. The happy ending is that it was accepted for publication. Thank you.”
MONNA
“Caroline Donahue has laser sharp instincts. We worked together on some writing for my website and Caroline quickly helped me identify a way to describe my work that was so exactly right that I felt like bells were clanging in my brain. Actually, I felt like Caroline was in my brain. She is super-smart, hilarious, generous, and makes fantastic connections in service of her clients. I’m deeply grateful to Caroline and would hire her again as a coach in a heartbeat.”
MOVE ON TO YOUR NEXT DRAFT NOW
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES THIS COURSE WORK?
The Next Draft is hosted on Kajabi, a course platform we have tested thoroughly. You’ll receive a username and login, and access to lesson one that day. Additional lessons are released in the Kajabi classroom every other week. The self-paced course is entirely on Kajabi.
The live course (coming autumn 2021), includes a Mighty forum and extra audio content.
IS THERE A SCHEDULE I HAVE TO FOLLOW?
In the self-paced course, you can set your own schedule. There are no live lessons, so no need to be online for the material at a special time. I will collect questions in the classroom and make videos to answer them and alert the class, even after it finishes.
The live version will have scheduled Q+A sessions, but these will be recorded.
HOW MUCH TIME DO THE LESSONS TAKE?
Expect to spend an hour or two per week on the lessons and exercises - - the majority of the course work is preparation and set-up for your revision. Revising your manuscript is a big project and will likely take much longer. At the end of the course you will have a plan and schedule for revising your book over the coming months.
WHAT IF I WANT A NEW LESSON EVERY WEEK?
A revision is a big undertaking. Taking the time to plan carefully before diving in will repay you many times over in lost effort. These lessons give you lots to think about and apply, so I’ve set the release timeline so that you - - and your book - - get the maximum benefit.
I’M NOT GREAT WITH TECHNOLOGY-DO I NEED TO BE SUPER SAVVY TO DO THIS CLASS?
Kajabi is a very user-friendly course platform, which we’ve used for other courses with great success and high approval from participants. All you need to do is log in to the platform with your user name and password once the course opens on April 30. The material will appear on the platform automatically.
IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT TAKING THE COURSE AFTER I SIGN UP, CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK?
Please be certain you want to do the course before joining, as we don’t offer refunds. This is our most affordable offering, so we priced it as low as we could to make it accessible to everyone. If you‘re on the fence about joining, get to know Caroline better by listening to the podcast or signing up for the newsletter before you join.
I’D LIKE TO WORK WITH CAROLINE INDIVIDUALLY. HOW DO I DO THAT?
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE NEXT DRAFT!
The self-paced course is now open. The intensive, which includes group coaching and additional content, will re-open for enrollment in September 2022. You may apply your self-paced tuition to the cost of the intensive, if you wish to join.
**Please register with the email address where you wish to receive your course alerts. You will get an orientation email about an hour after you sign up!
Course material is hosted on Kajabi, so be on the lookout for your username and password.
