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This week& #39;s #WednesdayWritingTips are about editing, as requested!
You& #39;ve done draft one. You& #39;re staring at the manuscript. What on earth do you do now?
You& #39;ve done draft one. You& #39;re staring at the manuscript. What on earth do you do now?
Everyone& #39;s methods of editing are different, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. These suggestions are some of the things I do. Editing process can also be different for different books, so always start with an open mind.
#WednesdayWritingTips
#WednesdayWritingTips
1) Back up EVERYTHING
As you tinker with the drafts, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing your text, keep the different versions. If you have to cut a bit you like, save it in a & #39;Bits I Like& #39; document for future ref. There& #39;s a reason you like it.
#WednesdayWritingTips
As you tinker with the drafts, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing your text, keep the different versions. If you have to cut a bit you like, save it in a & #39;Bits I Like& #39; document for future ref. There& #39;s a reason you like it.
#WednesdayWritingTips
2) Be honest with yourself
Can& #39;t say this enough. We usually have a nagging feeling that something isn& #39;t working but can often ignore it. Address that sooner rather than later to save time and BEFORE you submit anywhere.
#WednesdayWritingTips
Can& #39;t say this enough. We usually have a nagging feeling that something isn& #39;t working but can often ignore it. Address that sooner rather than later to save time and BEFORE you submit anywhere.
#WednesdayWritingTips
3) Go through area by area
Some people like to go through a draft several times, focussing on a different aspect each time to make it less daunting. e.g. checking plot, then finessing character, then theme, voice, word count, etc. It& #39;s another method to try!
#WednesdayWritingTips
Some people like to go through a draft several times, focussing on a different aspect each time to make it less daunting. e.g. checking plot, then finessing character, then theme, voice, word count, etc. It& #39;s another method to try!
#WednesdayWritingTips
4) Focus and streamline
Check that everything is there for a reason. Does every scene move forward plot? Or develop character? Or explore theme? Or build the world? Or bring humour? If not, is it slowing pace?
#WednesdayWritingTips
Check that everything is there for a reason. Does every scene move forward plot? Or develop character? Or explore theme? Or build the world? Or bring humour? If not, is it slowing pace?
#WednesdayWritingTips
5) Re-place favourite bits
If there& #39;s a part you like, but it& #39;s slowing down the pace where it is, try weaving it into another section of the story. Is there a quiet moment you could use?
#WednesdayWritingTips
If there& #39;s a part you like, but it& #39;s slowing down the pace where it is, try weaving it into another section of the story. Is there a quiet moment you could use?
#WednesdayWritingTips
6) Double-check
If you& #39;re cutting and pasting a lot, check for logic and continuity errors. You can do these as you go, but it& #39;s helpful to do a read-through near the end of the editing process, specifically focusing on continuity.
#WednesdayWritingTips
If you& #39;re cutting and pasting a lot, check for logic and continuity errors. You can do these as you go, but it& #39;s helpful to do a read-through near the end of the editing process, specifically focusing on continuity.
#WednesdayWritingTips
7) Don& #39;t Panic
Some people enjoy editing, some find it daunting. Often the first draft is about emptying our heads onto a page, so expect it to need a lot of work. Take it a step/session at a time, and know that in the end, your book will be much stronger.
#WednedayWritingTips
Some people enjoy editing, some find it daunting. Often the first draft is about emptying our heads onto a page, so expect it to need a lot of work. Take it a step/session at a time, and know that in the end, your book will be much stronger.
#WednedayWritingTips
8) Final thoughts
Draft 1: Write with your heart
Draft 2: Write with your head
Together, they make a great combination. Good luck!
#WednesdayWritingTips
Draft 1: Write with your heart
Draft 2: Write with your head
Together, they make a great combination. Good luck!
#WednesdayWritingTips
