I’m in the middle of editing my current novel, so I wanted
to do a post about my own editing process. Keep
in mind that there are many ways to edit a novel and this is just my approach.
Do some research and figure out what works best for you!
Check for Plot/Story
Inconsistencies
My first run-through usually consists of checking for
anything that’s not right with the plot or story. This includes locating gaping
plot holes, confusing locations, inconsistent character development, etc. Does
your story make sense? Is there something you wrote in the beginning that contradicts
something later? Do your locations/settings match? Did you mention something
about a character that is contradicted later? This is just a small and simple
list, but you need to make sure your story is consistent. An outline usually
helps this, so if you’ve written one try to go off that. If not, jot down some
notes about important scenes, characters, locations, plotlines, etc., and go
through your story again. Try to make sure it all matches up and tighten up
anything that is confusing.
Flesh Out/Cut Down
Once you get your plot in order, try to focus on whether or
not you need to flesh out your story or cut down your word count. I usually
always have to flesh out my story, so if that’s the case for you, go through
your WIP and find areas that could use more information. For example, if something
doesn’t flow well or the scene needs to be longer to make sense. Try to
pinpoint where you can flesh your story out to make it stronger. If your word
count is too low, chances are your story is going too quickly. If you need to
cut down your word count, focus on finding scenes that contain “info dumps” or
see if there are any unnecessary subplots/characters, drawn out dialogue, or
chunky paragraphs you can cut. If it doesn’t pertain to the overall story or
help the plot move forward, it might not make sense to include it.
Analyze Sentence
Structure and Pacing
It really helps to take a look at sentence structure. For
example, fluctuating between simple and compound sentence. You don’t want your
novel to read like this:
Amy walked to the store. She saw Sam. She walked up to him
and said hi.
If there’s a better way to say something, consider switching
it up. If you’re having trouble with this, please study up on sentence
structure and reread your favorite books.
After focusing on sentence structure, consider spending time
on improving pacing. If the story feels too quick at some points and too drawn
out during other scenes, you might have a problem with pacing. Again, creating
an outline can tremendously help with pacing, even after you’ve finished your
first draft. Take some time to draw out a timeline and go from there.
Check for Grammar
Mistakes
This is one of the last things I do when editing, but it’s
an important step. A lot of agents/publishers won’t even look at your novel if
they see a lot of mistakes right from the beginning. Use spell check, read over
it several times, get a fresh set of eyes (beta readers), etc. No one’s
perfect, but you should do your best to catch as many grammar mistakes as
possible. Carve out time during the editing process to ensure this gets done to
the best of your ability!
This was forwarded to me by a former colleague who attended a course on how to publish/edit a book. You probably already know most of these tips, but there might be something you’ll find helpful, who knows…
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING FIRST PHASE OF EDITING
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK (what the story is and how it is being told):
What is the book about? What is the driving force behind the narrative?
Who is the audience for this book?
Is it based on real experience?
Does the story work? Are there any parts that feel unconvincing or where the narrative drags?
Are there any parts I don’t understand?
What is the trajectory or the shape of the story?
Does the story start in the right place?
How quickly do I become immersed in the book?
Are there any points where my immersion in the story is broken, or I lose interest?
Do I believe in what I’m reading?
How satisfying is the ending? Does it feel inevitable?
Does it feel like anything is missing?
Is there anything extraneous (characters, detail, unnecessary plot points)?
What is the narrative point of view (first person, second person, third person)? Does it change? Is it consistent? Does it work? What might be lost or gained if the story were told another way?
Is the tense consistent? If it changes, is it necessary?
Does coincidence feature as a plot device? If so, is there another way to engineer the same events?
I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.
I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM Hooted Howled Yowled
I WONDER Pondered Voiced Wondered
OH, YEAH, WHOOPS Recalled Recited Remembered
SURPRISE BITCH Revealed
IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD Scoffed Snickered Snorted
BITCHY Tattled Taunted Teased
Edit: People, I’m an English and creative writing double major in college; I understand that there’s nothing wrong with simply using “said.” This was just for fun, and it comes in handy when I need to add pizzazz.
This is one of the most important things to establish once you set out to write your novel, one shot, or short story. It is also the one thing that most commonly people mess up at my writers’ group. So, read carefully!
When it comes to point of view of the narration, you have several options:
First person point of view (POV): the narration proceeds in the first person.
“I opened the door and found myself face to face with the biggest blubbery monster of all times, its purplish hide broken by hideous yellow dots.”
This type of narration is very emotional, allowing the reader to easily identify with the narrator and live the story as if it were happening to them. Keep in mind that the narrator knows only what their character knows. For example, if Leda is my first person narrator, she does not know what Nico the Thug thinks, she does not know what’s happening at home if she’s at school, and she cannot see herself. She would never say “I blushed madly” at best she would feel her cheeks get warm.
Second person POV: is rare. Sometimes the writer will address the reader by switching to a second person POV.
Third person objective narration: the narration proceeds in the third person, but the narrator is not a character; the narrator just describes what’s happening in your story as it happens.
“Annie opened the door and found herself face to face with the biggest blubbery monster of all times…”
Third person narration omniscient: The narrator knows everything, what characters feel and think, what’s happening far away, what happened in the past and what will happen in the future.Third person narration limited: The narration proceeds in the third person, but the narrator is privy to the thought and feelings of a specific character.
Multi (changing) POV: You can use a first or third person POV and change narrator-character at every chapter (I’ll Give You the Sun by Nelson -1st person, present tense-, The Unfinished Song, by Tara Maya -3rd person, present tense- and Game of Thrones by Martin -3rd person past tense-, Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo- 3rd person past tense)
General advice:
1-Choose a POV and be consistent!
2-Keep in mind that if your narrator is an eleven year old boy the language, feelings, and emotions of the narration will have to be crafted accordingly.
3-In 1st person remember that the narrator only knows their own thoughts/experiences and sees with their own eyes. A device for a 1st person narrator to describe themselves is to have them look in a mirror, chat with someone about it or consider someone else’s opinion.
If you’re going for an emotional story choose first person.
If your plot is an intricate political intrigue go for 3rd omniscient so that you can reveal details as you need them.
I think present tense is more emotional, but if you’re writing about kids, like I did for An Italian Adventure, you might want to use past tense so that you don’t have to necessarily write a middle grade type of book.
Who am I to give you advice?
I am GB Amman, the author of the Italian Saga (#TIS), a YA series taking place in gorgeous Italy, and talking about everything that needs talking about (diversity, discrimination, sexuality, love, happiness, unhappiness, mental health) with humor and feels aplenty.
The last volume, book 4, comes out November 6th!!! YAY ^_^
The books are recommended for ages 13 and above, but most of my readers are adults.
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