7 ways to make #editing easier as a #writer

Do you hate or struggle with editing long-form work? This is for you.

Edit as you write.
And no I don't mean that disruptive self-editing when you delete & re-write a sentence over and over again. Write your quota for that day,

(cont'd) ...and then leave it. The next day or time you write start by reading & copy-editing what you wrote the last time. Here you're just changing & correcting grammar not the actual story or idea you were writing. This makes your job easier for the developmental edit

(cont'd) Why? Because now you're reading a clean piece of work & you also won't be embarrassed to share it with a beta reader or someone you usually share an initial draft with.

It's almost the same as saying clean as you cook or reference as write.

Stop when you're tired

Know your writing limits. You're not doing yourself a favour if you push beyond fatigue. You're GOING TO MAKE ERRORS.
Lots of them. Yes, writing is not error-free but we all have error thresholds & when you start making too many, editing will SUCK.

(cont'd) Instead, figure out your limit for 1 writing session & respect it.
Sometimes it'll expand but sometimes it'll contract. Pay attention to yourself as you write.

As for myself, I can push to maybe 3hrs in a single seating, after that my spellings become atrocious

Use editing software (but with discretion)

There are lots of editing tools, some in-built into the word processor you're using. Some are free, others offer freemium services.

I use Grammarly. It has a free & paid version & many features. MS Word also has a premium Editor.

(cont'd) But like I said, use with DISCRETION, especially for creative writing.

Don't just click 'Correct' for every "error". Read it first to check if that wasn't your intention.

If you like playing around with language this is very important, or you write long sentences

Don't edit when you're tired.

I repeat. DON'T EDIT when you're tired. You're wasting time. You're going to miss errors or make more. Your heart won't be in it & it might make you dislike editing even more.

Leave it for another day or time when you're feeling fresh

Keep track of timelines, major events etc.

This is super important in fiction & will save you a ton of self-editing when you don't have to make your dates/events/relations correspond. I wrote something with a ton of flashbacks & I didn't do this, I'm paying the price now

For the developmental edit, let it rest/stew for some time.

Give your writing time & space to mature & breathe. Give your mind a break from being immersed in the story or idea.

This will give you a chance to read & see it with fresh eyes.
#writing

cont'd. You'll be able to catch errors more easily, see areas of improvements & also just marvel at this thing that you created!

But to do this you'll need to have respected the 7th and final tip...

Do your work in time.

Respect your deadlines (set realistic ones). If you need an extension ask for one or create it. Editing when you're in a rush is almost pointless. You'll hate it, you'll make errors, you won't be effective.

Don't do that to yourself. #Editing

If you liked this thread & want to see more, then follow me @yvonne_feresu

I'm a professional writer, award-winning blogger & emerging #fiction writer working on a short story collection
RT & like this for others on your TL who might find this thread useful. Finally in summary

7 ways to make editing your writing easier

Edit after every writing session
Stop when you're tired
Use editing softly, with discretion
Don't edit when you're tired
Keep track of timelines/major events
Let your writing breathe
Do your work on time
#WritingCommunity