From First Draft to Finished Novel: The Five Layers of Revision with Suzanne Kelman

You've finished your first draft... now what?

Many writers believe the hard part is writing a novel. In reality, the first draft is only the beginning. Learning how to revise, reshape and strengthen your manuscript is what transforms a rough draft into a compelling novel.

In this practical two-hour workshop, international bestselling author Suzanne Kelman will guide writers through the five key stages of revision used by professional novelists. Whether you're halfway through your first draft or already deep into revisions, you'll leave with practical strategies you can immediately apply to your own work.

Participants will learn:

Why the first draft isn't meant to be perfect.

The five stages every novel goes through before publication.

How to identify structural problems before editing sentences.

When to cut scenes, combine characters and strengthen plot.

How to revise without becoming overwhelmed.

Common editing mistakes that keep manuscripts from reaching their potential.

A practical revision roadmap to take home and use on your own novel.

This workshop is ideal for writers who have begun a novel, completed a first draft, or are preparing to revise their manuscript. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Suzanne Kelman is the internationally bestselling author of fifteen novels, with more than half a million books sold worldwide. Her novels have been translated into multiple languages and have reached readers around the globe.

This event is part of our Whidbey Local Author 2026 Series.