Editing Is Essential

Writing for publication is a three step process ...

• (writing) crafting the story


• (editing) creating a coherent manuscript


• (marketing) contacting the right person

There are hundreds of books available on writing ... how to get started ... tips on creating interesting characters ... techniques on writing dialogue ... advice on pacing, choosing viewpoint, setting the scene and plotting. There is less advice on the importance of editing. Many beginning writers seem less sure of themselves when it comes to revising their manuscript. Yet editing is essential if the story is to move beyond the first draft stage.

_My advice. Write a complete first draft. Without stopping. Without going back to correct the opening sentence. Just write, don't worry about sentence structure, grammar, or punctuation, or stopping to do research. And don't reread. It is said that Hemingway would stop in the middle of a sentence. The next day he would simply finish the sentence and keep writing. When the first draft is done. Reread the manuscript and make some notes. Then, and this is the hard part, put it away. Let it cool off. Give the story and yourself some time apart. A month, six weeks.

_Now plan some uninterrupted time to read you story. Does the story make sense? Have you said what you wanted to say? Consider you opening, does it grab you? Make you want to keep reading? Have you introduce the main character well? Do the chapters propel you forward? Does the story flow? Is there mounting tension throughout the story? Conflict?

_Editing is all about putting yourself into the role of reader. Sometimes this is difficult and asking for help is necessary. Choose wisely. Showing your work to soon, or to the wrong person can be devastating to the beginning writer. Close friends and family members are not always the best critics either. Consider joining a critique group. Ask to visit before submitting your own work for feedback. Asking for help can be helpful. When you get their feedback, listen carefully. Take notes. But do not make any major changes until you ask several people. Remember this is your story and you are the author. This is your book, and you are the final judge.

_Having a well-polished book makes marketing a whole lot easier.