Editing Your Writing Project

Personally, I view editing as a time of tedium, necessary tedium. In reality, it's a major opportunity to put my best foot forward before passing my manuscript off to editors and critics. The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with standard editing techniques and markings. The Chicago Manual of Style can guide you in the basics. College bookstores often carry one page quick guides on the subject. You don't need to be able to teach it, just acquire a general knowledge of the art. Begin to use editing notation when reviewing your own hard copy. If you have a professional agent or editor review your manuscript, be very familiar with the language.

Editing is that wonderful time to get rid of the spelling and grammatical errors, the inconsistencies, over used words and phrases, or paragraphs from the department of redundancy department. Become familiar with a good quality thesaurus, then use it wisely, not excessively. If you are just an average editor and speller, read your last draft out loud to eliminate word grouping that happens when you read silently. When a reputable editor looks over your first chapter and it's full of grammar school errors, he or she will likely see you as a slacker who is not willing to put in the time required to create a quality product. You will receive a rejection form letter shortly thereafter.

In my own experience, a work that I might present for publication could go through as many as six or seven edits by myself, and certainly no less than three. It depends on how you write, your experience, and your confidence in your writing skills. And please remember that word processors with spell-checking can only do that . . . check spelling. Only the most advanced (and expensive) programs catch synonyms and incorrect usage and improper definitions. To see what I mean, enter any chat room and watch the language being used. How many times in the course of an hour can you see the words "too", "to", and "two" interchanged. I cringe at the misuse of "there", "their", and "they're" even in these informal settings. Folks, that's elementary school basics. If you don't know it, then learn it.

Also, don't rely on viewing the computerized page for your editing. At least once (preferably three times) print a hard copy, make a cup of tea, and sit down with a pencil. You will be surprised at what catches your attention when you view a full page instead of a half page on your monitor. Repeated phrases and words jump out at you. Inconsistencies in style or character references are now detractors from the emotion you intended. The tempo of dialog can be ruined by improper paragraph breaks. Just do it and you'll see what I mean. Not only will you be personally satisfied doing it, you'll present yourself as a better writer to the rest of the world.

Once you have edited on your own, it's time to see what someone else thinks of your creation. You must be thick skinned in order to enter this phase of writing. Criticism can do weird things to your ego, your self-esteem, and your momentum, so it must be approached with the proper attitude and expectations. You must also decide on a reviewer or two. You need to choose between personal acquaintances and editing professionals. You must also be very honest about what you are searching for. Are you looking for someone to pat you on the back and shower you with praises for what you've accomplished? Personally, I wouldn't seek that out. I don't want a yes man to tell me that I've written the best book on gardening in the desert southwest if it's so poorly written that I'll never sell a copy. You don't want that either.

If you know someone close to you who you can trust to give your manuscript an honest review and dispense constructive criticism, then by all means, go with them. Be aware of the pitfalls of this type of arrangement. Even your best friend or relative may take personal digs at you and your work when you least expect it. The people who you expect to be the most supportive can often be your worst nightmare. But if it is someone you respect, and they possess a basic knowledge of good writing, go for it. On a conservative note, get a second opinion, or two. Give each of your reviewers a copy at the same time. This helps to mitigate the possibility of one person finishing their turn, then offering comments that might influence an honest review from the next party involved in the process.

The professional side of manuscript reviewers has just as many unseen hazards if you are new to the game. My best advice is to contact several authors who's genre and style most resemble your own and ask them for a recommendation of a literary editor or agent. Don't be shy about asking. Most published authors know what you are going through and are more than willing to help. Ask a few local authors. Seek and ye shall find. Do nothing and you are doomed from the start to stumble in the dark and become nothing but raw meat for the bottom feeders and the sharks. If you get through this critical time in the life of your writing project, then move on to looking for agents and publishers.