Definition
The first draft is the initial complete version of a manuscript, written to get the story onto the page. It is expected to be messy and is meant for revision, not immediate submission.
Example
NaNoWriMo participants often finish a first draft in November, then revise for months.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Polishing sentences in chapter one while never finishing the rest.
- Assuming agents want a first draft; they expect revision-level work.