Write What Your Heart Desires
Sharing my love for reading and writing with you.
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Editing
| Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:40 AM |
"You can't edit a blank page" This was once said by novelist Jodi Picoult.
So, following on from my previous post about SPAG, wwe need words to edit.
When you think about some books that are out there, it makes you wonder if they had any editing done or if the publishers just sent them for printing without any work done to them. There are a few that come to mind, but I won't mention them here.
Having said that, how much editing do you do on those words you put on the page? Do you edit and re-edit time and again until it is perfect? Or do you just edit once or twice and leave it for the publisher to fix it for you? How would you like your words presented to your reader? Now, these questions are not just for those who write short stories, but probably more for those of you who write book length manuscripts.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Categories: Monday Moment, Writing
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14 Comments
I love the new look!
On editing: I correct grammar as I go, then I read through each draft for content separately from grammar. I try to make a piece as perfect as I can before I send it on.
On editing: I correct grammar as I go, then I read through each draft for content separately from grammar. I try to make a piece as perfect as I can before I send it on.
Hi Terrie! The new look is great!!
I edit, and edit and edit. Usually, I can almost recite my short stories from memory, I've read them so many times. I don't find it's much different with my longer work. I go over things and rework them A LOT. I want to be able to be proud of the work I send out.
I edit, and edit and edit. Usually, I can almost recite my short stories from memory, I've read them so many times. I don't find it's much different with my longer work. I go over things and rework them A LOT. I want to be able to be proud of the work I send out.
Ellen says...
I love the new look!
On editing: I correct grammar as I go, then I read through each draft for content separately from grammar. I try to make a piece as perfect as I can before I send it on.
Thanks for your comment Ellen. I'm with you on making a piece as perfect as possible.
inluvwithwords says...
Hi Terrie! The new look is great!!
I edit, and edit and edit. Usually, I can almost recite my short stories from memory, I've read them so many times. I don't find it's much different with my longer work. I go over things and rework them A LOT. I want to be able to be proud of the work I send out.
Thanks for the comments. Another one who likes perfect. Hmm, is this a writer thing?
I edit like crazy! It's the English teacher in me that needs to do this. I've been getting a lot of ARC from NetGalley and they are littered with mistakes--the nature of an ARC, I know. But the thing that kills me is, I wonder how some manuscripts are acquired with that many mistakes. Sure, we are all human and we will inevitably have some mistakes that we missed even after countless revisions, but I'm blown away by some of these.
kellyhashway says...
I edit like crazy! It's the English teacher in me that needs to do this. I've been getting a lot of ARC from NetGalley and they are littered with mistakes--the nature of an ARC, I know. But the thing that kills me is, I wonder how some manuscripts are acquired with that many mistakes. Sure, we are all human and we will inevitably have some mistakes that we missed even after countless revisions, but I'm blown away by some of these.
Hi Kelly, thanks for the comment. There is a picture emerging here of perfection. We all strive for perfect. So once you've read an ARC, do you make comments to send back to the publisher?
kellyhashway says...
By the way, I love the new blog look!
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback from all of you.
I edit a lot, as well. Even though sometimes I find it's still not enough 
I edit until my mind is about to implode. Editing comes after the draft is done. I can't edit as I go, I'll go nuts. (Nice revamp to the site, Terrie!)
Claudine Gueh says...
I edit until my mind is about to implode. Editing comes after the draft is done. I can't edit as I go, I'll go nuts. (Nice revamp to the site, Terrie!)
Thanks Claudine.
Katie, thanks for your comment. I've been trying to reply, but its being awkward. I think we all feel its not enough editing sometimes.
I do as much editing as I know how to do no matter how many times it takes. I cringe at the thought of a misspelled word, however sometimes no matter how many times you look your own work over, there is always that chance that you still didn't see it all.
When I write a magazine story, I usually do my own editing but I do send it into my critique group in case I missed anything.
For stories I intend to send off as a book, I send to my editor sister when she has time, because she is not only fantastic, she is free to me. But my last step is always to send to my professional editor who does cost me money. So by the time I send off to a publisher, I have done everything I know to do. I simply wouldn't feel comfortable without doing all that.
When I write a magazine story, I usually do my own editing but I do send it into my critique group in case I missed anything.
For stories I intend to send off as a book, I send to my editor sister when she has time, because she is not only fantastic, she is free to me. But my last step is always to send to my professional editor who does cost me money. So by the time I send off to a publisher, I have done everything I know to do. I simply wouldn't feel comfortable without doing all that.
Allyn Stotz says...
I do as much editing as I know how to do no matter how many times it takes. I cringe at the thought of a misspelled word, however sometimes no matter how many times you look your own work over, there is always that chance that you still didn't see it all.
When I write a magazine story, I usually do my own editing but I do send it into my critique group in case I missed anything.
For stories I intend to send off as a book, I send to my editor sister when she has time, because she is not only fantastic, she is free to me. But my last step is always to send to my professional editor who does cost me money. So by the time I send off to a publisher, I have done everything I know to do. I simply wouldn't feel comfortable without doing all that.
Thanks Allyn. It must be great to have a sister who knows whats wanted. Professional help, especially free is a great help. I'm hoping that my course will help not only with income, but also with my own writing.
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