3 Novel Editing Tips I Learned Today That You Need To Know

Revision and editing can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, it's an essential part of writing.

Sure you can pass over your unedited work to a professional, but the arm and five legs that is going to cost you can be lessened by giving your work a round (or two) of edits yourself before handing it over to an editor who will be much more enthused with the red pen than you were. 

As I am currently in the process of my editing journey I have started to look into ways to make the task a little less daunting If you've just started your editing journey here are three tips I learned today that may help you as well. 

Step Back 

All writers have heard the scolding words "don't edit as you write" but the words "don't edit the same day you write" should be said as well. 

The more time you put between writing something and editing the more effective your self-edits are. Mistakes will be easier to find and you'll be able to look at your story more objectively. 

When you've finished that final chapter set the work aside for a day, a week, a month, or even longer. As long as it takes for you to be able to come back and look at your story with fresh eyes and catch the things you may have just skimmed over before. 

Read It Out Loud 

I should have remembered this revision tactic from my creative writing class, but somehow it managed to slip from my mind.

Reading your work out loud is by far the easiest way to catch mistakes that we may not realize are there. 

You'll be able to notice the rhythm and flow of your words as well as catch awkward phrasing and long-winded paragraphs.

Send It To The Presses 

There's just something different about holding your work in your hand, feeling the weight of the paper, and realizing that this is a thing, made of your creation. 

And now you get to destroy it.

There's just something about having the work in front of you and the ability to circle, underline, and highlight the pages that make the editing process less daunting as the pile of pages moves from the need-to-edit pile to the already read-through pile, a little bit of the weight comes off with the turn of each page. 

This also makes it easier to take your time and thoroughly examine each page and engage with it in a way that is missed when scrolling through the words on the screen. 

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Revising our work isn't half as fun as writing it, but it's a must if you want the work you put forward to be the best it can be and it's not just about fixing mistakes but refining the hard work that you've already done. 

Best of luck on your editing journey! 

With love, 

B.K xo xo

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