Writing the first draft of a novel is a difficult process. There’s going to be tough questions to answer, the pacing will likely be a bit off, facts will need double checking, and it will no doubt be littered with countless grammatical errors, over-used words and strange spelling. In short, it will be far from perfection.

But here’s the thing. Let it be bad. In fact, the very idea of attempting to keep it “too good” can be paralyzing to one’s story progression. Now, most authors would prefer you never see their “bad” draft. In my own experience, a novel is near the fifteenth draft before I feel really solid with it, and even then, occasional errors or contradictions slip by.

But here at Vote the Book, I’ve decided to strip myself of these worries and let you see the “bad” draft. Not only that, you can cast your own vote to decide where the plot travels. So come make a difference, and for the most enjoyable experience, I suggest these simple guidelines:

KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT.

When you read, don’t expect perfection. The posts will not be draft fifteen material. They will be first draft material, and I’ll stand behind them proudly, even if they still need a bit (or a lot) of additional work.

CHECK THE AGE-APPROPRIATE RATING OF EACH POST.

It’s clearly labeled near the title of each story entry. No one should feel invested in something that goes beyond their expectations. Know that the rating is based on my own personal opinion, but also know that I truly want to respect the needs of my readers.

ONE VOTE PER DEVICE

I don’t want little Billy Thatcher McGee, somewhere locked in his room, desperately voting for”choice C” as many times as possible, just to make sure it’s storming outside. Poor Billy.

IN THE RARE OCCURENCE OF A TIE VOTE, I WILL BE THE TIEBREAKER.

It won’t occur often, but something has to happen.

I’LL DECIDE HOW LONG THE BOOK WILL BE.

Some stories may be short, others much longer. I’ll make my best judgements and try not to draw it out too long or leave too many details unfinished.

IF POSSIBLE, BE INSPIRED.

So often what prevents people from meeting their potential is the idea that they just might screw up. There’s enough rejection in the world, and no one wants to willingly create any more of it. Shake that away, and attempt it. You can’t really learn without making mistakes.

KNOW THAT ANYTHING WRITTEN HERE MIGHT EVENTUALLY TURN INTO A FULL-FLEDGED, CLEANLY EDITED NOVEL.

 Just think, you could have made critical decisions that result in a book.

HAVE FUN.