A look at editing Part 1. Writing is why we’re here. But editing is what makes it sing.
What’s this All About? Editing in a Nutshell
Check out editing part 1. If you don’t do any editing, don’t expect people to read your work.
Unless you normally write six-word horror stories, you are going to need an editor. Everybody needs this service. However, you should edit your work before handing it over to a professional. In particular, if you are just coming off NaNoWriMo, you need to trim the fat. Because we all pad in order to make word count for NaNoWriMo. Don’t be ashamed of this! And a lot of it might turn out to be the good kind of fat. In particular, if it helps you introduce a new and interesting character, or set a new scene, or transition a story line properly, it can be terrific. But you still need to go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Everybody needs to do this. And there are no exceptions.
Adding Words
Sometimes, you actually add words in order to edit a story. And that is perfectly fine. If a description was rushed, or a scene feels forced, you may need to add words. In particular, if you wrote your story with placeholders such as: fix this later or add transition here, you must address those problems!
Getting Started
Are you wondering why this post was not added in November? It’s because editing requires some ‘leave it alone’ time. Frankly, this is too early. Because I highly recommend leaving your work for a full month before tackling editing. Just, find something else to do during the month of December. Between the holidays and the end of the quarter and the end of the tax year (and up here in New England, you might get some snow to shovel), I’m sure you can think of something.
Okay, Now We’ll Really Get Started With Editing Part 1
So you’ve set your work aside for a month. Your first job is to read your manuscript through from start to finish. Want to take notes? Sure. Or not. This is your show. But read all 50,000 or 100,000 or whatever words.
You’re not a writer, and you’re not reading as the writer. Rather, you are reading like a fan.
In the next article, I’ll show you where to go from here.
Writing Needs Editing part 1 means, yes, there’s a part 2 a-comin’….!
Want More on Beta Reading and Editing?
If you want more on beta reading and editing, check out the following posts:
Beta Reading:
- Beta Reading for Indie Writers
- Beta Reading, Part 2
- Working With a Beta Reader
- Beta Readers and Editors
Editing:
- Writing Needs Editing, Part 2
- Choosing an Editor
- Editing Tips
- How to Edit a Manuscript: 7 Stages to Success