Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on February 9, 2012 at 10:08am

Have you seen Margie Lawson's deep-editing advice? She uses a marker method to seeing if you have balance between elements that is really helpful. You can find her website at margielawson.com. Tell her Deni sent you!

Deni

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on February 9, 2012 at 10:16am

I went through a similar process not long ago. I read the book cover-to-cover in a few days time so I didn't lose any threads, checked plot points, marked some scenes that I thought might be unnecessary, stuff like that. Then I ask three of my most able-minded friends to do read-throughs. All read in many genres, (my aim is mainstream, so I need that latitude), and have promised to be honest about 1) the story (is it there?) 2) the writing 3) consistency 4) holes and 5) overall desire to keep reading. I've had interim reports from all three and I know they are doing as requested. My plan when all three are returned is to compare them and consider their advice. It will be interesting to see if they agree, disagree, or find the same or different places that require attention. 

This is a lot to ask, but hey, they volunteered!! 

I wish you well with your process. Rewriting can be harrowing or aggravating, but it must be done. Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Jessica Vealitzek on February 9, 2012 at 12:23pm

Thanks, Deni! I appreciate all your advice. I'll check out that site.

Have you had friends read before? I'm wondering whether I should do that before I get an editor or just go with an editor. I don't want to make any relationships complicated. For instance, my sister has said she'd like to read it and help (as a mainstream reader). She's to-the-point and honest and we have that type of relationship so it's tempting, but I don't know.... Some people are of the opinion that as long as you can be discriminating, it's always helpful to have people read it; others say stick with an editor only.

Permalink Reply by G.G. Vandagriff on February 9, 2012 at 10:29am

Jessica-

I do an unbelievable number of drafts, because I'm always changing my novel as I go along.  But I always find it easier to do on the computer, so I can change everything at once and not have to go back and type in changes.  However, when I think my book is done, I print it out and read it out loud.  Best way to pick up typos, etc.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Vealitzek on February 9, 2012 at 12:18pm

Thanks, G.G. It sounds like I work similarly. When I hear people say "3rd draft", "4th draft," I can't relate. I'm constantly revising as I read and write. I think I've taken it as far as it can go that way, so now I'm excited to print and read it through.

Permalink Reply by Susan Helene Gottfried on February 9, 2012 at 10:38am

At some point, read the manuscript out loud. You'll be surprised how different it sounds, especially dialogue, in your ear versus your mind-speak.

Good luck and have fun! Holler if you need some editors' names.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Vealitzek on February 9, 2012 at 12:16pm

I definitely do -- if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear about them. Thank you for offering.

And thanks for reminding me to read aloud -- I'd actually forgotten I want to do that.

Permalink Reply by Susan Helene Gottfried on February 9, 2012 at 2:13pm

Drop me a message, Jessica, or check  my website. Under the link for my own editing work, I've got a few links to others', as well. It's not nearly as long as I'd like, unfortunately.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Vealitzek on February 9, 2012 at 7:32pm

Thanks, Susan - I'll go check it out.

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on February 9, 2012 at 1:25pm

Re editing: do you mean creative editing or line editing? Ultimately I think we all need proofreaders/editors. I obviously fall in the get it read by "readers" first camp.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Vealitzek on February 9, 2012 at 7:33pm

Yes -- I meant both. Are those ever the same person or is it better to have two editors? 

Permalink Reply by Susan Helene Gottfried on February 10, 2012 at 4:55am

It depends on the editor, Jessica. For instance, I am not great (maybe even lousy) at true content editing. Maybe I'm better than I think I am, but I'm not willing to take anyone's money as I try to find out!

Remember that each stage of editing -- content, line, and copy/proof -- are different. The goals are different. So how many editors you use and of which variety depend entirely on what your needs are. If you need help figuring it out, drop me a note. I'd be glad to help you sort through it all. Oh, and I have two other names for editors, as well, if you need them. They're not on my site 'cause they are referral only. One's a friend and one is the woman I use, personally.

Keep me posted; you're getting me vested in your journey, now!

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