Great post! I bookmarked for future reference. Myself? I do three rounds of editing in an attempt to "polish" my manuscript. Though I have a character workup done for each main character, I try to delve a little further if possible. How does this character really tick and how much should the reader know at different points in the story? I also work on sensory details. How can we describe the way a character "feels" something? I think about smells and textures. I also want to see if I missed anything with regards to research when I was writing the manuscript. Additionally, I rely on helpful articles (you know, the ones that tell you to cut or change specific words because they drive editors crazy).
The most important thing, and I can't stress this enough, is to take long enough breaks between rounds of editing so that you're looking at it with a critical eye rather than a writer in love with his or her own story or characters. Finally, after all of your own editing is done, then you can send it out to beta readers and proofreaders while nervously biting your nails. LOL.
Great post! I bookmarked for future reference. Myself? I do three rounds of editing in an attempt to "polish" my manuscript. Though I have a character workup done for each main character, I try to delve a little further if possible. How does this character really tick and how much should the reader know at different points in the story? I also work on sensory details. How can we describe the way a character "feels" something? I think about smells and textures. I also want to see if I missed anything with regards to research when I was writing the manuscript. Additionally, I rely on helpful articles (you know, the ones that tell you to cut or change specific words because they drive editors crazy).
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing, and I can't stress this enough, is to take long enough breaks between rounds of editing so that you're looking at it with a critical eye rather than a writer in love with his or her own story or characters. Finally, after all of your own editing is done, then you can send it out to beta readers and proofreaders while nervously biting your nails. LOL.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the post, Marie! Thanks for sharing your experiences and helpful advice. Happy writing...and revising!
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