plotting stage

• [ ] pick an idea
• [ ] brainstorm
• [ ] research
  • research other possible ideas
  • research existing stories
• [ ] outline the plot
• [ ] create characters
  • make character profiles
  • flesh out their personalities
• [ ] worldbuild
  • create maps, design the climate
  • create historical value
  • make a language (opt.)
  • make a species (opt.)

drafting stage

• [ ] start drafting
  • started drafting; dd/mm/yy
  • finished drafting; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] finish first draft
  • started drafting; dd/mm/yy
  • finished drafting; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] edit first draft
  • started editing; dd/mm/yy
  • finished editing; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] finish second draft
  • started drafting; dd/mm/yy
  • finished drafting; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] edit second draft
  • started editing; dd/mm/yy
  • finished editing; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] finish third draft
  • started drafting; dd/mm/yy
  • finished drafting; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] edit third draft
  • started editing; dd/mm/yy
  • finished editing; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] finish final draft
  • started drafting; dd/mm/yy
  • finished drafting; dd/mm/yy
• [ ] edit final draft
  • started editing; dd/mm/yy
  • finished editing; dd/mm/yy

publishing stage

• [ ] hire an editor (opt.)
  • research editors
• [ ] choose a title
• [ ] create a book cover
  • research commissions/design yourself
• [ ] research publishing
  • consider self publishing or traditional publishing
• [ ] publish!!
  • date published; dd/mm/yy