Let me tell you a secret: I edit as I go.
I know, I know, shameful. But it’s what works for me.
Maybe it’ll work for you.
Advertisements
editor
Writing Tip: 179#
When writing I do the unforgiveable thing of editing what I wrote the day before writing the next piece. I usually do this by leaving comments on sentence and character motivations.
Writing Tip: 174#
Print out your first draft so you can make edits or correct errors in hard copy. The format change will make it easier to notice mistakes.
Writing Tip: 171#
More editing questions! (Because I’m lazy)
- Does every chapter heading use the same structure?
- Are pages consistently numbered or not?
- Is formatting consistent (amount of indentation, line-spacing and so forth)?
Writing Tip: 169#
As you revise and rewrite, focus on this ‘message’ element of your novel: What is it trying to say? What are its themes? What is the point of what your character experience and what they learn in the process? Keep these thoughts as you revise so that the craft of your story, the way you present elements such as plot and characterization, supports what you’re saying.
Writing Tip: 163#
A first draft is a great outline, but it is not a strict guideline, it’s there so you can see what works and what doesn’t work.
Finishing a Book: Deciding on a Genre
Genre is not necessary to writing a book. Your book will still be your book with or without a genre.
However, it will matter once you go through the gruelling writing and the gruelling editing. Now, all you need to do is the gruelling marketing.
Writing Tip: 157#
Good things to ask for feedback on, on your overall plotline and story:-
- Plot structure
- Characterization and character development
- Flow and style
- Grammar and punctuation
- Pace, tension and conflict
Writing Tips: 155#
Who needs a professional editor? You need a professional editor!
Writing Tip: 117#
I use colours to difference different plot threads and characters while planning and then to criticise when editing.
