Sandra Scofield

Award-winning novelist, Sandra Scofield (her novel, Beyond Deserving was a finalist for the National Book Award) has been working with aspiring novelists for over two decades.

As an aspiring writer myself, I know that completing a first draft, while not easy, is not all that difficult if you have some discipline. But the really daunting challenge is what to do next. How do we make this rough manuscript into a real novel, something we can be proud of? Something that others might want to read?

There is no magical formula, but Scofield’s guide provides a map for how we can proceed. She writes clearly and humbly and doesn’t try to overpromise. Most writers know that the odds against being published are huge.

I’ve used Scofield’s guide and it has helped me to write a much better novel. And just as important as the guidance she provides for the revision process, is the honest perspective she shares on the writing life.

Here is what Scofield had to say about her own career:

“I’ve never had a book with large sales. All my books, however received warm critical praise including a nomination for the National Book Award…I’m proud of my books. I’ve known writers who, to me, are famous, but who feel they didn’t get the acclaim they deserved. Some died still lamenting their careers. I can only say: Get over it. Write what you love; love writing it; hope for a readership; appreciate every reader. So a million people don’t buy your book? Would it be such a terrible thing to say that only ten thousand, or four thousand, or hell, four hundred people read your book? Think about that. Every reader’s time is precious. I love all my readers.”

I highly recommend this guide for anyone who has a first draft or is just considering writing a novel. It is an incredible resource.
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