Saturday, March 31, 2012

Editing is Just Like Cleaning House.


Editing is Just Like Cleaning House.
(No wonder I hate it!)


 
Got the editing blues?
You’ve written “The End” either on the page or in your mind. Are you feeling a euphoric sense of relief and accomplishment? Or a sinking feeling of despair because the worst is yet to come—the dreaded edits! If the second describes where you are with your writing, then you have a lot of company, myself included.
I’m having people over to my house tomorrow night to play bridge. My writing will be set aside today because I have to clean. Never being one to avoid doing things the easy way, I plotted just what had to be done. No need to worry about things they’d never see, right? It occurred to me that the dreaded tasks of editing my novel and cleaning my house have a lot in common, a rather depressing realization since I hate cleaning.
I decided the best way to move forward with either task was to have a plan. Just as I wouldn’t vacuum a room before I dust, I’d have to tackle editing in an organized manner in order to save myself from endless do-overs.
             
1.     The absolute first thing - Have the right tools and cleaning supplies at your fingertips: Dictionary, thesaurus, red pen, notebook, any edit notes you made while writing  your book.
2.     Pick up the clutter - Go through your manuscript and note any glaring problems. Fix spelling, grammar, typos, and conflicting details or (my personal downfall) consistency in character’s names, which also includes spelling their names consistently. During this read through, keep lists of anything in your story line that needs work. If you haven’t already done so, make character lists.
3.     Decide what has to be done Separate the lists you’ve made into categories. Now read through your book, preferably out loud, for flow, plot, interest, etc. Were the things you noted necessary changes?
4.     Clean house Make critical revisions based on your notes and your read through.
5.     Save the heaving cleaning for after the party - Only when you’re satisfied that your work flows, and your grammar, spelling, and typos are corrected, is your manuscript ready to send to your professional editor and beta readers. If you’ve done your housekeeping well, your final revisions and clean-up will be as smooth as a bowl of chocolate ice cream.

Dear readers,
This list I’m offering is a simplistic approach, designed to help you get started on a what feels like a monumental task. If you need a more detailed advisory, I’d recommend picking up a book on editing. One I’ve used is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and David King.
I believe it’s vital to invest in a professional editor and proofreader. You’ve put a lot of precious time and effort into your book—don’t let it down by publishing a flawed product. Remember, the competition is fierce and readers demanding.

Wishing you good health and happy writing,
Marla

8 comments:

  1. I'm in the process of trying to proofread and edit my book.
    I am finding it hard going.
    Some one told me the best way to proofread is to start at the end of the book and read every sentence from the back to the front of the book!
    Does that me make sense?
    In the end I'll probably have a pro look at my book.
    Writer Dave

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    Replies
    1. I think the only way that would be helpful is if you found it difficult to edit/proof without being distracted by the storyline!
      Otherwise it sounds difficult!

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  2. My book has been waiting for an edit for 6 years. Yup, six years. I find the entire task completely overwhelming. But you've given me hope...

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  3. Oh, Susie, I feel your pain and frustration! It IS overwhelming. Try a small bite: one chapter of grammar and spelling only, one read through with NO editing of any kind, have a friend read and give feedback, or join a critique group and work on it that way. Being in a group has helped me the most. Try to find one in your area.
    Let me know how it goes!
    Marla

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  4. I have to read it on paper, too. I only catch so much on a monitor.

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    Replies
    1. That's true Kelly. I've noticed the same thing. I think part of the learning curve in self-editing is finding what works for you, and in what order.
      Happy writing,and thanks for visiting,
      Marla

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  5. I LOVE editing! The hard work of writing the story is done, so editing means I can now concentrate on correcting, improving and polishing. I spend as long editing (if not longer) as I do writing the first draft.

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    Replies
    1. Good for you, Paula! I knew there had to be some of you out there because a friend in my critique group loves editing too. Send some of that love of editing out to the rest of us!
      Happy editing,
      Marla

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