Book Review: Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book by Allison K. Williams

Introduction

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for writers, helping them navigate the process of drafting and revising their manuscripts. It promises to transform a rough draft into a polished and ready-for-publication piece. The book is structured around the idea that a manuscript usually requires seven distinct drafts, each addressing different aspects of writing, from the broad strokes of storytelling to the meticulous details of grammar and punctuation.

Content and analysis

Williams’ writing style is both encouraging and direct. The approach is both humorous and practical, making the daunting task of rewriting more approachable. The book begins with the “Vomit Draft,” an initial burst of ideas where perfection is not the objective, but rather getting the story out. Although this concept is not novel, Williams articulates it with refreshing honesty that resonates with writers who might feel overwhelmed by the blank page. Williams offers a sense of permission to write poorly initially, which can be liberating for many.

Williams provides concrete advice on various aspects of writing, including plot, character development, and dialogue. Her detailed instructions for each draft, from the “Story Draft” where the focus is on the narrative arc to the “Technical Draft” where the focus shifts to sentence-level editing, are insightful. She includes numerous examples that help demystify these often esoteric writing concepts. Her practical approach, combined with her witty footnotes, makes for an engaging and educational read that doesn’t feel didactic.

One of the book’s strengths is also its potential weakness. The structure of focusing on seven drafts might come across as overly prescriptive. While it’s true that many drafts are typically necessary for a book, the idea that every writer must follow this exact path may not resonate with everyone. Some writers might find their process more fluid or even less structured. The book does acknowledge this to some extent, suggesting that drafts might not be linear, but the framework remains rigid, which could be limiting for writers with a different creative flow.

Despite offering valuable guidance and information, the book occasionally falters in its execution. For instance, the introduction could be criticized for being overly verbose and somewhat self-absorbed, prioritizing the author’s credentials over promptly presenting the guide’s core content. Additionally, while the humor and asides infuse the book with personality, they occasionally disrupt the narrative, transforming what could be a concise guide into a more rambling one. I appreciate humor, but occasionally I think it is a bit excessive and perhaps contrived.

Still, the book excels as a structured, step-by-step editing process, Seven Drafts, and offers valuable insights. The advice on seeking and using feedback is particularly strong, providing strategies for writers to extract the most from critiques without taking them personally. The book’s later chapters on the mindset of a writer and the publication process are also commendable, providing a comprehensive view of the writer’s journey.

Summary and recommendation

Seven Drafts is a valuable resource for writers at any stage who could benefit from a systematic editing approach. While not flawless, I think there is a lot here that could benefit any writer. Williams’s engaging writing style and practical advice make it a commendable addition to a writer’s toolkit.