An Honest Outlook On Editing

Let's face it, writing is a JOB. Some people think the key to writing is sitting down and popping out multiple stories in record timing. Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes HOURS of sitting at a keyboard to write and edit manuscripts.

Self-editing isn't for the weak. Your first draft is hardly the finished product. It's a myriad of ideas and concepts. When I'm developing a story for the first time, I focus on transferring the ideas out of my head and onto the screen. I don't focus on what fits or what doesn't. Consequently, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It'll slow down your process.

Editing is the part where you add and snip away little pieces here and there. As the chapters begin to flow, it becomes easier to gravitate toward what fits and what doesn't. I like to think of it as going through rounds of American Idol--not everything you write will make the cut. You have to dwindle down to the very root of the story.

So many questions arise when I'm editing a draft. Why is this important? What do I want the reader to know? Am I showing my characters in the best light? If you've ever seen an artist carve on a block of ice or wood, you're aware that the process starts out rough. Over time, you begin to see a shape forming and wonder, "How is this going to turn out?" It's the same with editing. You are the expert wielding a whittling tool--your mind.

Cutting away dead pieces of a story and breathing life into new ones makes your book or novella your best work. I know it sounds cliche, but DON'T be afraid of editing. I self-edit my drafts before they go to my editor. It makes his job a lot easier if I give him a solid foundation to work on. Whether you self-edit your books alone or have an extra set of eyes on them after you're done, I implore you to take advantage of this step. Your readers will thank you.