Tips for self editing

Most authors who are just getting started are in the same boat. They're doing it for the love of the craft...not for the balance on their royalty statements. I know, from experience, that just starting out, editing was not something that I approached with any degree of appreciation or enthusiasm. Since then of course, I've come to realize its an intrical part of the process and I do enjoy it.

Revisiting that time, with the reminder coming from a fellow writer who is just getting started, I thought it would be a perfect time to offer a few tips from an editor's desk. In todays market, publishers, editors, readers are all looking for a fast paced, enthralling story that pulls them into the world the author has created. To do this one must look at the opening and see a hook that is spectacular.

Getting to that point requires time, patience, dedication, and a tiny bit of skill.

With that thought in mind, here are a few tips to get you started on the road to polishing your manuscript for submission.

1. Get a second opinion who is NOT family, friend, or otherwise attached to you. This may sound ludicrous but really, when has your mother, sister, bestest girlfriend over told you your writing sucks? They won't. Even if they hate the piece, they won't give you a hard, honest critique that will help you gain the goals on your pathway.

2. Write it and forget it. Simple isn't it? Hard to do I know but necessary. The one thing you'll never be able to do is write it, start back at the beginning and then edit it successfully. You'll miss half of what you're errors are.  I recommend leaving it at least 4 weeks. Give your brain a chance to forget it before you start trying to trim it.

3. Look at the entire piece. If you start editing chapter one as soon as you've written it by the time you're finished you'll have spent weeks or even months writing one chapter that looks fantastic but has no ties to the rest of your manuscript.

4. Have a professional look at your work. A skilled editor will work with you to help guide you along the right pathway for you, your work, and your career goals. As well, they'll be able to give you pointers on what's happening in the market today and if there are spots that your book could do very well.

Questions? Drop me a line and lets see what I can do for you.