Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Most writers are not particularly keen on editing their work, and this is the wrong way to start. It took me a long time to learn to love editing, but when you do, it makes the process fun (and effective!)

Understandable really, for by the time you have spent several weeks’ months ripping plots and storylines out of your heart and soul, thousands of words and all those emotions and tension later, the last thing you feel like doing is actually looking at it again.

Mind you, most of us approach it in the wrong way, with a totally wrong mind set. I know all about this, for I have to live with a wonky mind set!

I have discovered that if you make editing a proper job, dare I say discipline, it makes it easier. But before you do anything, you must put it away in a drawer and forget it for at least two weeks. More, if you can. I always underestimated the value of doing this, for no matter how long you waited; you would still be in the zone, immune to all your errors, wouldn’t you?  But it does help. Not sure how, but it does.

First Thing: 

Decide how much you will do everyday. And be realistic, make it achievable. If you decide on one hour, that’s fine. If you stick to the plan religiously, you will get there in no time AND feel better about the whole business. You will need your chapter breakdown handy, something you should have already?

Second Thing:

Decide where you will work, and this is more important than you think. In the early days, I found myself trying to edit on my lap, or squashed in front of my computer. Worst of  all, is trying to edit in the same room as the television.

You need space and a lot of peace and quiet to successfully edit. And forget about editing on the computer. You will drive yourself insane and possibly make some serious irretrievable errors. Again, I know this because…

Third Thing:

I find the best way to edit is with a paperback copy, but as this isn’t always convenient, I print out the MS, using large print and double spacing.  If, like me, you tend to give your characters their own chapters, edit them separately. This is a brilliant way to know if you have done them justice, with no lapses in their lifestyle or heaven forbid, important details like their names.

This first read-through is to make sure the story runs smoothly, no gaping plot holes or lack of continuation. Don’t set out to look for weak words, typos or appalling grammar at this stage. That will follow, once the nuts and bolts are all there and done up tight.

Finally:

Make all the necessary alterations on your file copy. I never used to do this, thinking I could do remember to do it all at the end. I made this mistake several times before I learned my lesson. Never put off anything, for that’s how things get missed. Again, I know this because…

Next week, I will be writing about round two, when the serious editing will begin…  (yes, I can do serious too…)