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The 90-Day Rewrite
The greatest challenge in rewriting your book is making a thousand small
changes while staying true to your narrative voice. In this practical dayby-
day guide to revising your manuscript, you will:
• End procrastination by breaking your work into manageable tasks
• Learn the technical skills necessary to bring your prose to life
• Discover how to write compelling dialogue
• Solve narrative problems of structure, point of view and pacing
• Learn how to sell and market your book once it is completed
changes while staying true to your narrative voice. In this practical dayby-
day guide to revising your manuscript, you will:
• End procrastination by breaking your work into manageable tasks
• Learn the technical skills necessary to bring your prose to life
• Discover how to write compelling dialogue
• Solve narrative problems of structure, point of view and pacing
• Learn how to sell and market your book once it is completed
- GenresWritingNonfictionCrafts
306 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2012
58 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Alan Watt
8 books36 followersAlan Watt is a novelist, screenwriter and playwright. His bestselling novel Diamond Dogs (Little, Brown), won numerous awards including France’s 2004 Prix Printemps (best foreign novel). He recently adapted the book for French film company, Quad, and it is soon to be a feature film. His book, The 90-Day Novel, is one of the top-selling books on writing. He's also the author of The 90-Day Rewrite and (coming Fall 2013) The 90-Day Screenplay.
Al founded L.A. Writers’ Lab in 2002 as a place for writers to deepen their craft by learning to marry the rigor of structure to the freedom of the muse. He has taught everyone from award-winning authors to A-list screenwriters, journalists, poets, actors, professional athletes, war veterans, housewives, doctors, lawyers, television showrunners, Emmy-winning directors, first-time writers, and anyone else with a story to tell.
Al founded L.A. Writers’ Lab in 2002 as a place for writers to deepen their craft by learning to marry the rigor of structure to the freedom of the muse. He has taught everyone from award-winning authors to A-list screenwriters, journalists, poets, actors, professional athletes, war veterans, housewives, doctors, lawyers, television showrunners, Emmy-winning directors, first-time writers, and anyone else with a story to tell.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 28, 2012
Michael Crichton said that novels aren't written they're rewritten.
Now after rewriting my novel it's amazing to look back on the ruff, right brained mess that was my first draft, and compare it with what it is now.
The 90 Day Rewrite is a step by step, day by day guide to carving away and reforming a rough work into something that can be read and enjoyed.
Like his first book The 90 Day Novel, The 90 Day Rewrite tells you what to do and in what order. I've read many other books on writing but they never helped me in knowing what to do next or first. I would read something about how to make dynamic characters and think that it was spot on, but I wouldn't know how to apply it to MY writing. The 90 Day Rewrite takes care of that. I knew what to do every day and how to apply it to my novel.
There are plenty of books on how to write a novel, but hardly any about how to rewrite one. And even though I don't have much to compare it to, I can't imagine a more well thought out, helpful book on how to rewrite a good story than The 90 Day Rewrite. The only thing I didn't like was waiting for it to be released.
I honestly couldn't recommend it more!
Now after rewriting my novel it's amazing to look back on the ruff, right brained mess that was my first draft, and compare it with what it is now.
The 90 Day Rewrite is a step by step, day by day guide to carving away and reforming a rough work into something that can be read and enjoyed.
Like his first book The 90 Day Novel, The 90 Day Rewrite tells you what to do and in what order. I've read many other books on writing but they never helped me in knowing what to do next or first. I would read something about how to make dynamic characters and think that it was spot on, but I wouldn't know how to apply it to MY writing. The 90 Day Rewrite takes care of that. I knew what to do every day and how to apply it to my novel.
There are plenty of books on how to write a novel, but hardly any about how to rewrite one. And even though I don't have much to compare it to, I can't imagine a more well thought out, helpful book on how to rewrite a good story than The 90 Day Rewrite. The only thing I didn't like was waiting for it to be released.
I honestly couldn't recommend it more!
July 20, 2012
While The 90-Day Novel focuses on helping writers to work in an instinctive, right-brain way, The 90-Day Rewrite moves us forward and teaches us how to marry instinct with the rigors of the left-brain's more analytic and logical processes. It does so in a well-organized format, breaking down the rewrite into thirteen weeks based on the three-act structure, with each of those weeks further broken down into specific tasks to consider and work on each day. So helpful!
The 90-Day Rewrite allows us to honor the mystery of the writing process while providing a structure and direction with which to continue on each of our journeys. It is a totally useful guide that helps writers to "hold it loosely" without destroying the vital impulse that drives us to write our stories in the first place. A miracle, I tell you. As you work, you will turn back to these pages again and again.
The 90-Day Rewrite allows us to honor the mystery of the writing process while providing a structure and direction with which to continue on each of our journeys. It is a totally useful guide that helps writers to "hold it loosely" without destroying the vital impulse that drives us to write our stories in the first place. A miracle, I tell you. As you work, you will turn back to these pages again and again.
June 30, 2012
Having used Alan Watt's The 90-Day Novel to assist me in completing my first novel, I know how many jewels show up in this guy's books.
Now, The 90-Day Rewrite: The Process of Revision has arrived. It is a masterpiece of both technical support and inspiration.
If you’ve been spinning your wheels, postponing until a “tomorrow” that never comes, waiting for someone to help you finally revise a novel that deserves attention but never seems to move forward – wait no more! Help is here! That “tomorrow” has arrived! Finally, you can get out of the mud and get the dang thing done – in 90-Days!
Al Watt marries support for the craft needed along with an unfaltering belief in the power of story. “Technique without imagination is worthless, and imagination without technique will cloud our work’s intended meaning.” This book delivers its promise on both.
Throughout each of the 90 days, Al provides inspirational quotes that match the technical focus, as well as asking a set of guiding questions or giving specific ideas for how to proceed with your work.
Nurturing the story’s heartbeat requires a delicate balance between Technical Matters and how to “keep the patient alive during surgery.” Al Watt brings us through the operation and then gives us ideas on how to get an agent, consider self-publishing vs. the traditional route, and ways to promote your book.
On the craftwork side of things, Watt weaves technique into each of the 90 days, but he also devotes an entire chapter to principles (not rules) that will help writers make informed choices during revision. In the section on “Pacing and Proportion,” he justifies the time that will be taken creating an outline during Week One. “There is pacing at the level of sentence, paragraph, chapter, and act.” As we revise, with the whole story clear through our outline we can have a finger on the pulse of pacing without getting too tightly focused on any single moment, losing sight of its relationship to the story’s flow.
“Our reader is always subconsciously searching for meaning.” Watt guides the writer toward being aware that what is chosen for emphasis must deserve the amount of attention in proportion to its weight in the story. Sometimes in revision it is easy to lose perspective as we get wrapped up in details giving them “a sense of importance that can distract the reader from [the] story’s larger meaning.” Creating Watt’s brand of outline is an integral part of understanding how to revise with an ear to pacing and proportion.
Don’t procrastinate any longer! This is the real deal from an award-winning writer who walks the talk. The 90-Day Rewrite will help you get it done, too!
Now, The 90-Day Rewrite: The Process of Revision has arrived. It is a masterpiece of both technical support and inspiration.
If you’ve been spinning your wheels, postponing until a “tomorrow” that never comes, waiting for someone to help you finally revise a novel that deserves attention but never seems to move forward – wait no more! Help is here! That “tomorrow” has arrived! Finally, you can get out of the mud and get the dang thing done – in 90-Days!
Al Watt marries support for the craft needed along with an unfaltering belief in the power of story. “Technique without imagination is worthless, and imagination without technique will cloud our work’s intended meaning.” This book delivers its promise on both.
Throughout each of the 90 days, Al provides inspirational quotes that match the technical focus, as well as asking a set of guiding questions or giving specific ideas for how to proceed with your work.
Nurturing the story’s heartbeat requires a delicate balance between Technical Matters and how to “keep the patient alive during surgery.” Al Watt brings us through the operation and then gives us ideas on how to get an agent, consider self-publishing vs. the traditional route, and ways to promote your book.
On the craftwork side of things, Watt weaves technique into each of the 90 days, but he also devotes an entire chapter to principles (not rules) that will help writers make informed choices during revision. In the section on “Pacing and Proportion,” he justifies the time that will be taken creating an outline during Week One. “There is pacing at the level of sentence, paragraph, chapter, and act.” As we revise, with the whole story clear through our outline we can have a finger on the pulse of pacing without getting too tightly focused on any single moment, losing sight of its relationship to the story’s flow.
“Our reader is always subconsciously searching for meaning.” Watt guides the writer toward being aware that what is chosen for emphasis must deserve the amount of attention in proportion to its weight in the story. Sometimes in revision it is easy to lose perspective as we get wrapped up in details giving them “a sense of importance that can distract the reader from [the] story’s larger meaning.” Creating Watt’s brand of outline is an integral part of understanding how to revise with an ear to pacing and proportion.
Don’t procrastinate any longer! This is the real deal from an award-winning writer who walks the talk. The 90-Day Rewrite will help you get it done, too!
July 17, 2012
Going through school I detested the required term papers and even book reports. I would put them off and put them off as long as I could. In college it was more of the same. After graduating I was relieved to know that I would never have to write and submit anything again in my adult life. I was free. I would have never imagined that a couple decades later I would be introduced to the magic of Al and actually enjoy and look forward to writing.
Al has taken the intimidation of writing out of the mix and shows you the joy and excitement it involves. He never sugar coats it. It is up front and honest about those days where you want to throw the proverbial typewriter out the fifth floor window (we would never do that now with our laptops!). He shares his own struggles so you don't feel like you are alone or a freak.
Thank you Al for showing me that indeed we all do have a story to tell and need to get it out on paper ...perhaps more than one story!
Al has taken the intimidation of writing out of the mix and shows you the joy and excitement it involves. He never sugar coats it. It is up front and honest about those days where you want to throw the proverbial typewriter out the fifth floor window (we would never do that now with our laptops!). He shares his own struggles so you don't feel like you are alone or a freak.
Thank you Al for showing me that indeed we all do have a story to tell and need to get it out on paper ...perhaps more than one story!
July 17, 2012
The 90-Day Rewrite - Not Just for Novelist! I’m in the middle of rewriting a full-length play. I’ve been stuck on what else? The ending. I just couldn’t find it. Or make it work. At all. The ending I thought would work doesn't. I had already read Alan Watt’s first book on the 90-Day-Novel, and that had been extremely helpful. So I get to “DAY 2” in “The 90-Day Rewrite” called “Hold It Loosely” and read this, “If we sit with our story and sincerely inquire, we will be rewarded with the truth.” It also goes on to talk about paying particular attention to the start of the story. So I went back and did just that. And sure enough my ending was waiting for me. I literally had already set it up and didn’t know it. The fantastic thing about both of Alan Watt’s books is he doesn’t go on endlessly with theory. What does he do? He gives you practical steps. And you know what? They work.
July 17, 2012
It would seem impossible for a book to be in tune with the struggles you are going through while in the rewrite process. To be able to calm agitation, uplift from depression, humor when humorless, and provide a swift kick when lazy, but this is what I've found and continue to find in Alan Watt's "the 90-day rewrite." For me, it has been a mentor in a book, perhaps because he is a working writer sharing his experience rather than telling you what you need to do. I also love the quotes from other well-known authors. If you are looking to be rich and famous from writing this may not be the right book, but if you are struggling to get the story inside you, onto the page, I'd suggest giving it a try.
June 28, 2012
Great resource!! I used the 90 Day Novel to complete a novel. In (you guessed it) 90 days. Now I'm ready to use the 90-Day Rewrite to revise the novel. In 90 days, no less. Alan Watt is a great comfort when the creativity fears rear up and try to block progress. There's a reason his book is the best-selling guide to novel writing on kindle. Thanks Al!
July 20, 2012
I've had the privilege of taking Alan Watt's rewrite courses in person and I can't tell you how much his methods have changed the way I write. He knows how to pull what's already within you and somehow translate it onto the blank page. To be able to go back to his methods simply by opening up this book is a blessing. Add the 90-Day Rewrite book as part of your writing tools.
January 23, 2025
While I found this book to be immensely helpful, it wasn't in the way the blurb might lead one to believe it would work.
"End procrastination by breaking your work into manageable tasks" - it did do this, because the book had me create an updated outline of my novel and then I divided it up into sections so that it would take 90 days to revise. Knowing all I had to do was revise that day's section helped me a lot.
"Learn the technical skills necessary to bring your prose to life" - I wouldn't say I learned very many technical skills, but the book is full of ways to bring the prose to life, mainly by getting to know the characters better and seeing what's motivating them.
"Discover how to write compelling dialogue" - I somehow missed this entirely.
"Solve narrative problems of structure, point of view and pacing" - Hmmm.
"Learn how to sell and market your book once it is completed" - This is a very tiny part of the book and imo not a reason to read it. Also, at this point, there's no way my book is ready to be sold, let alone marketed. I've been through the manuscript exactly twice. It grew by ~5000 words on this rewrite. It needs more work.
That being said, I found the short daily readings and the reminders about where the manuscript should be in terms of three-act structure to be quite helpful. While I worked through this revision, I also did the daily email writing prompts from L.A. Writers' Lab, which helped me delve into my characters and gave me lots of ideas for revision. It feels great to have gotten through a rewrite in 90 days and feel like the work is noticeably better for it.
"End procrastination by breaking your work into manageable tasks" - it did do this, because the book had me create an updated outline of my novel and then I divided it up into sections so that it would take 90 days to revise. Knowing all I had to do was revise that day's section helped me a lot.
"Learn the technical skills necessary to bring your prose to life" - I wouldn't say I learned very many technical skills, but the book is full of ways to bring the prose to life, mainly by getting to know the characters better and seeing what's motivating them.
"Discover how to write compelling dialogue" - I somehow missed this entirely.
"Solve narrative problems of structure, point of view and pacing" - Hmmm.
"Learn how to sell and market your book once it is completed" - This is a very tiny part of the book and imo not a reason to read it. Also, at this point, there's no way my book is ready to be sold, let alone marketed. I've been through the manuscript exactly twice. It grew by ~5000 words on this rewrite. It needs more work.
That being said, I found the short daily readings and the reminders about where the manuscript should be in terms of three-act structure to be quite helpful. While I worked through this revision, I also did the daily email writing prompts from L.A. Writers' Lab, which helped me delve into my characters and gave me lots of ideas for revision. It feels great to have gotten through a rewrite in 90 days and feel like the work is noticeably better for it.
February 4, 2020
This book really helped motivate me to keep going through a rewrite. The daily letters are short. His explanation of dilemma and how it works throughout the whole story was very helpful. Overall, the craft ideas were not new to me, but this book helped me dig deeper and find the heart of my story. If you need encouragement to keep going as a writer, this book is great for that. I'll be checking out the 90 Day Novel next time I'm writing something new.
August 2, 2021
So I spent more than ninety days reading this book and revising my novel...BUT following the daily chapters in this book propelled me to a solid new draft. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has had their novel on the shelf for too long. I'm sure I'll return to this book and am now a big fan of Alan Watt.
January 22, 2021
Philosophy of life and of writing
Incredible. Just read it. Great thought provokers on different aspects of the novel to propel you through your rewrite. Also a great deal on the philosophy of life through a writer’s lens. Fascinating. Thank you, Al!
Incredible. Just read it. Great thought provokers on different aspects of the novel to propel you through your rewrite. Also a great deal on the philosophy of life through a writer’s lens. Fascinating. Thank you, Al!
July 13, 2025
A great tool for writers looking to improve on their rough first draft. Watt breaks it down into straightforward steps, and has you going for the deeper story, the emotional arc, the way that the characters change in every stage. Good stuff.
September 7, 2020
I loved 90 day novel but this one it didn’t work for me.
July 20, 2012
l Watt's "The 90-Day Novel" helped me finally get words on the paper for my first novel through encouragement and guidance in allowing the story to really unfold and not forcing it. I felt so much trepidation --and frankly confusion--about how the writing process works and if "I'm doing it right" after a false start. But then Watt's first book was a turning point for me, and I was able to work through the 90 days of guided writing tasks and questions to create something!
Watt's encouragement and calm reassurance is also here in the "90-Day Rewrite". Rather than a book about "How-to rewrite" using mechanics and editing, Watt uses short essays and questions to guide the writer through the rewrite process to allow the subconscious to do its work.
At the same time, the writer still covers the story's arc, the hero's journey and other time-tested storytelling features without any of it being a formula or a set of hard rules. As I'm reading now, I look forward to the encouragement to keep going, and to accept that fear's part of the huge effort of writing. Watts voice is not unlike having a kind of writing consultant/therapist to keep you going and not let your mind shut down or force results. Very different from any other writing book out there, for sure.
Watt's encouragement and calm reassurance is also here in the "90-Day Rewrite". Rather than a book about "How-to rewrite" using mechanics and editing, Watt uses short essays and questions to guide the writer through the rewrite process to allow the subconscious to do its work.
At the same time, the writer still covers the story's arc, the hero's journey and other time-tested storytelling features without any of it being a formula or a set of hard rules. As I'm reading now, I look forward to the encouragement to keep going, and to accept that fear's part of the huge effort of writing. Watts voice is not unlike having a kind of writing consultant/therapist to keep you going and not let your mind shut down or force results. Very different from any other writing book out there, for sure.
November 4, 2015
I honestly prefer the first book, for this rewrite I only managed to go through half the exercises before I went free flow and used my own instincts. Maybe because the exercises itself helps this subconscious process. I don't think Alan Watt is a great editor, but a great teacher subconscious writing. I would use this book with the addition of other editing books for more effectiveness. Still. I give it a five star rating as this is probably 50% of what is needed in the rewrite, followed by other rewrite books in the genre you are writing in.
March 8, 2015
As a writing resource, The 90-day Rewrite is a practical guide to working through your novel, though I didn't find it as helpful as The 90-day Novel. However, I found the style pretentious and unapproachable, and rolled my eyes more than once at the way that Alan Watt delivered his advice. Also, he would use examples from existing books without citing the source, which I have a problem with.
February 10, 2013
Great. Now I just have to finish editing my novel!
October 31, 2013
This was a little more constructive then some of the other books I've read. I liked the step by step but some of the exercises seemed to just be given to fill space.
December 29, 2014
is very centered on the idea of write a "shitty" first draft without fear. From day to day basis. If you already have a First draft is kind of useless, otherwise great.
June 23, 2013
Best teacher between two covers. Exceptional.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews