What Should I Do When I Finish A Novel?

Just because you’ve completed a manuscript doesn’t mean that your work is done, but it does mean that you should take the time to reward yourself for the accomplishment. In today’s post, I’ll share my thoughts on what you should do after making your final revisions.

Welcome back, readers, and thanks for following my blog. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when making the final revision to your manuscript. If I were pressed to relate it to another life experience, I would equate it to the feeling you get when bringing a child into the world. In essence, you have given birth to a story that will live forever. In so doing, you deserve a break. There is certainly more work to be done, but now is the time to celebrate your achievement. Below is a list of the top five ways I like to treat myself after completing a novel.

1. Take a vacation!

Most of us struggling authors have to live on a budget, so this doesn’t have to be anything extravagant if you can’t afford it. Take a weekend trip to the beach or go camping in the woods for a few days. Leave your laptop at home and try to relax; you’ve earned it.

2. Treat yourself to a night on the town!

Celebrate your achievement with a nice dinner and some adult beverages. Go dancing at a club, relax at a wine bar, or chill at a jazz club. Let down your hair while putting your book out of your mind.

3. Read a good book!

Reading is relaxing. It’s a great way to relieve stress. Besides, the more you read, the better you’ll get at writing. That said, I would suggest that you choose a book outside of your genre. Don’t forget to post an honest review when you’re done!

4. Binge on Netflix!

Now that you can take a break, catch up on your favorite shows. In addition to providing you with escape, it might just provide you with a new idea or an interesting character concept for one of your future novels.

5. Splurge on something that you’ve been wanting to buy.

Athletes get medals and business executives get plaques as a reward for their accomplishments. Your achievement is no less impressive, so treat yourself. Buy a new watch, a nice piece of jewelry, or a stylish outfit that will remind you of what you have accomplished.

Now that you have celebrated your achievement, it’s time to get back to work! Whether you self-publish or query agents and publishing houses, there is much to be done. Get to work on marketing and advertisement as those are the only methods to generate sales. More importantly, don’t allow your gift to go dormant. Start working on that next novel.

As always, I wish you the very best and look forward to reading your books or enjoying your art. Take care. I’ll see you soon.