Question 17

I'm taking break between drafts (this is 6th draft), how long should I wait and does that mean I shouldn't do other related stuff like aesthetics or research?

You can find this mentor, Kalie Holford, here!

I think that ususally 2-4 weeks gives you enough space between drafts to really clear your head and come back to the manuscript with fresh eyes. That said, it's also a different process for everyone and every draft. If you’re closing in on line edits or final edits, you likely don’t need as much space as you did coming back to the first draft for the initial revision. I find the timeline I set for myself changes with the goals of each revision. Whenever I do a readthrough for pacing I try to give myself at least two weeks away, sometimes longer. If I’m reading for flow or polishing I may only wait a couple days and then dive back in planning to smooth it out and make sure the last changes are cohesive.

All that said, taking a break doesn’t mean you have to leave the story completely. Giving yourself a complete rest to recharge is really nice - especially if you treat yourself to some favorite books or shows to really let yourself relax in that between time. But if being away from it entirely is stressing you out, or if you have certain things you want to be able to come back to the story with, (i.e. research like you said), I think it’s perfectly fine to do that as long as you’re feeling up to it! Just be careful you don’t burn yourself out and you take care of yourself.

Everyone’s process is different, so if this doesn’t feel right to you, I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do it at all. I do believe that space, self-care, and time can help to make the next draft the best it can be, but what that means and how you approach that can fluctuate and that’s okay too.

All my best,

Kalie