From Idea to Publication: The Journey of a Published Novel
SELF EDITING
Some authors love this part.
Others – not so much.
I find I have a love-hate relationship with this stage of the journey. I’ve done my research, written a great story and have the bare bones (and word count) done. If only the first draft could be the best draft!
At this stage, there are a few things a writer tries to accomplish. In no certain order, the self-editing stage involves the big picture story, checking themes, checking character and story arcs, correcting grammar, beefing up the text with description or layering more emotion, moving scenes around and making sure your details are right (i.e. his eyes are blue at the beginning, but about halfway through they change to brown). Timing of events within the context of your story is important to catch too and it’s better to fix it in this stage than later.
This is the time to look for weasel words (words that are redundant or overused), repeated phrases, etc. Sometimes authors have a unique way of describing a scent, but they use it more than once. These kinds of things will stand out to readers and it’s something an author should try to catch before sending it off for a query.
Sometimes it feels like this stage drags on longer than the actual writing process and I find once I get to the middle of my novel, I’m tired and done with this part. Then I get three quarters through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel, which means soon enough I’ll have a polished manuscript to begin querying.
After this stage of self-editing, some writers opt to hire an editor to review before starting the submission process. I believe this is totally a personal choice. If you’re planning on going the traditional route, there are editors who will work through the manuscript with you in more detail. However, it is always a good idea to have someone else read your manuscript to catch the details you won’t have caught in this stage. If I were to be going the self-publishing route, after this stage I would definitely hire a development or content editor to make it shine.
Once self-editing is complete, don’t think your job is done. Sometimes, as good as your editing is, an editor will ask for an R&R (revise and resubmit). If an editor takes the time to send you a letter with suggestions and marks up your manuscript, it means they like what they see. Take the time to rewrite your manuscript – even if it means half your story doesn’t work for him/her. Editors want to see that you can work with them and that you want your story to shine.
Self-editing is a detailed process that takes significant work and can feel tedious at times, but if done right it makes the world of difference for your story.
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