Welcome to this week’s Master Your Craft post! Last year, we walked you through every step from getting the big idea through polishing your finished novel.

Our bonus post this week dipped back into craft and how to give your story cliffhangers.

Last week, we were all about querying strategy. Naturally, this week is about The Waiting Game and how to play it. <cue game show music>

Here are 15 ideas for what to do, while you’re waiting for prospective agents or editors to get back to you.

1. Back up your files. Update your software. *cough* Preferably in that order. Don’t worry–our other ideas are more fun.

2. Change your point of view: This is two for the price of one. You’re using this Waiting Game time to chill your work. You probably chilled your manuscript during revision to give yourself “fresh eyes.” See the Letting It Sit post in the Master Your Craft series for why waiting can be a plus. 🙂 But you want your eyes even fresh-er when you get that big old edit letter from your dream agent/editor, right?

3. Write what you now know. Document what you’ve learned. The writing and publishing process is cyclical. The hard-earned lessons that got you through revisions might help you (or others) the next time around. Who knows? You might have an article or blog post in there.

4. Outline a sequel. Make a series “Bible” or a collage board so that you’ll have the key things you need when you finally get a response.

5. Start something new. Go back to the twirly, dreamy world of brand-new projects. (I mean, you got it off your desk! That’s massive! Yay, you!)

Need a refresher on the art of finding ideas?

The Big Idea

Where Do Ideas Come From?

6. Start or update 1 thing for your readers. You know, those readers you’re going to have? You want to be able to tell them when the book after this one is coming out. (What? It’s time to dream BIG. You finished your novel!) Dream up one new and exciting thing to Show Your Work.

7. A few ideas: Start an e-mail newsletter, YouTube channel, podcast, or Pinterest, Instagram, or whatever the internet has come up with now. Update your website and/or make it mobile friendly. Create a welcome sequence automation for your e-mail newsletter.

#protip: Pick ONE thing that makes sense to you. What you want is the sweet spot between what you enjoy creating and what your target audience enjoys. Part of the fun is discovering where those sweet spots are, one at a time. Plaaaaaaay with it. You’re an amazing, creative person–you finished a novel!! 🙂

8. Practice new publishing skills with a story spinoff. You’ll have something to give away to a growing readership. Or submit it to a magazine or anthology and discover the world of short fiction.

9. Go on an artist’s date. Rejuvenation needed? Visit a museum, national park, or craft store. Go to a writing conference. Make business cards. Tell everyone you finished your novel. 😉

10. Collaborate with other writers or readers. Do something for literacy in your own community. Build your professional network. Raise funds for a library that needs it. Help out in the local indie bookstore. Join a professional writer’s association like the  Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and meet other children’s writers on the Discussion Boards. Or join the intrepid writers of the Sub It Club.

11. Embark on a Reading Safari. Who are the authors you most admire in your genre? Try the YASIV tool to find comp titles for the work you are querying. Read far and wide to see what part of the writing territory you long to explore.

12. Get your eyes checked. You want to be in this for the long haul, don’t you? Now’s the perfect time to make your desk more ergonomic, get moving in a way you enjoy, get your glasses checked/updated and your teeth shined. Pop a few healthy dinners in the freezer for when that editing letter shows up. Joanna Penn’s podcast episode about her new book,  The Healthy Writer might give you some ideas.

13. Shop for an author outfit. Give yourself a buff and polish and take a few new author photos. Or a new writing sweater. Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series has a wardrobe for school visits. Be prepared, people.

14. Build your skills. Take a class–preferably away from your computer–in something that brings you joy, makes you see life more clearly, and/or takes you somewhere new.

15. Pay it forward. This is the time to pay in a little extra for all of your closest relationships. When that agent/editor gets back to you, there will be lots of stress and excitement. Use your creativity to enrich your loved ones’ lives.

#protip: Love sparks creativity and a happy home life makes the work go much more easily.

Enjoy! Before you know it, the long wait will be over.

How do you play The Waiting Game? Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.

Ready for more craft advice on writing middle grade or young adult fiction? Head back to our Master Your Craft page where you’ll find dozens of more topics to choose from!

LAUREL DECHER writes stories about all things Italian, vegetable, or musical. Beloved pets of the past include “Stretchy the Leech” and a guinea pig that unexpectedly produced twins. She’s famous for getting lost, but carries maps because people always ask her for directions.