I’m currently working on the first novel I plan to publish. It is a combination of alternate history, historical romance, fantasy, and some bits detective mystery. This long list of genres will come down once the whole work is closer to completion. As it stands, I’m currently in the process of re-writing the 9k words I’ve already written as the style I was writing in simply wasn’t working. During this process, as well as in editing some of my other work, I’ve pinned down three strategies that I’ve picked up to edit my writing. To my fellow writers out there, or anyone who struggles in the editing process like I do, here are three ways to go about editing.
Tip 1: Use Text-to-Speech Readers
Many teachers have recommended to read your work out loud before turning it in. While I agree this is helpful, having a text-to-speech reader I find is far more effective. At least for myself, a person whose brain likes to gloss over spelling mistakes and typos, text readers accomplish hearing your work out loud without human error. Some names might be read wrong, but I’d take that over missing how I spelled ‘shining’ as ‘shinning’ and other brain-fart moments. I like to read along as the text-to-speech reader is going to know exactly where an edit needs to happen. For the best results, I combine this method with reading it out loud myself, especially if there’s dialog. This method is quick and simple to get any finalizing edits in.
Tip 2: Rewrite Everything
Now when I say ‘rewrite everything’, I don’t mean delete what you already have and start from scratch. Some authors say that method works for them, but I personally hate having my work be trashed. My version of starting over is to open up a new document and have the old one side-by-side with it. With that, I copy and retype what’s already there. This is also where the editing process comes into play. By starting on a blank document, I find it is far easier to make drastic edits, such as not adding certain sections, expanding paragraphs, or even reworking a sentence to flow better. This method tricks the brain into ‘creative mode’ rather than ‘editing mode’. If you’re typically a one-and-done writer, rewriting makes the editing process fun and enjoyable.
Tip 3: Just Step Away
Not thinking about the text and leaving it alone is helpful when you find yourself stuck on what else to do in edits. Your mind might be tired or unintentionally be focusing on a singular aspect. Whatever it is, coming back at another time from when you sat down and finished your draft makes it far easier to come at the text with ‘fresh eyes’. As I like to describe it, when rereading your own work, you’ll end up reading it as it’s meant to be read and not as the text actually is. The flow is how you intended, any forgotten words are there, and you’ve already added everything… you think. Be it till the next morning or a month later, step away from the work. You’ll more easily spot mistakes and that creative mind might even have different ideas to implement. I hope these tips come in handy.
Creativity doesn’t have to end after the initial writing phase. Let the editing process become less daunting and more manageable!
K Michelle Pfoltzer 