: Re: So I finished my novel. Now what do I do? A few days ago I finished the first draft of my current novel project after a few months of work, finishing at 83,212 words. Now what should I

@Ann1701686

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This is my methodology, right now.

Write a pitch and/or query letter. You need to anyway and if you can't it likely indicates you need to do more work in the revision phase. Trying to write a query will hopefully tell you if your book is any good.
Did you outline your book to start? If the answer is no, now may be a good time to do it so that you have a high level view of your book. This may immediately point out inconsistencies. Take notes as you go. If you did outline, figure out if you match. I am turning my novel into a treatment from the outline (see my post history).
Now you need to know if your book is working. If you can't tell you need an honest resource who knows a thing or two about good books and story telling.
Sort your problems by importance and start fixing what you can. If you've got a goal in mind (pitch/query), stay on target.
Proof read and/or get an editor.
Shop it out by pitch and query. Plan to submit 200 times before giving up. Start working on the next one.

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