I want to share the process I used while writing the draft for my next novel because it progressed smoothly. I wrote using some familiar writing tools and editing software we've all heard of. They have a low bar for the learning curve, low cost or free, and they make our writing easier and better. I'll be using the same process when I do the rewrites to make the manuscript ready for an editor's desk.
Now you're ready to read it in a different format on an iPad, kindle, tablet or phone. Reading on another device makes it easier to see where you may need a transition, less or more in a scene, a missing scene, or the little darling that needs to be killed altogether. You can share it with a Beta reader(s) at this point to get fresh eyes on it, too. Let someone else read it while you take a break.
That's what I did; last week I took a vacation. Watch for more information about that in a future post . . .
A few other editing tips from Pros:
I’m very excited about finishing the draft of my next novel, In The Woods. It's a murder mystery. I enjoyed creating the protagonist, Samantha Tremblay. She’s a Vermont Forest Ranger who’s involved with solving a murder after she stumbles across a dead body in the woods. Samantha has her personal quest as well, finding her Abenaki roots. I hope to represent that group of people as best I can and I'm enjoying the research. We all want to know who we are, where we come from, but for Native Americans, it’s often a difficult path.
Of course, there's more editing for me to do in the second round, but after the vacation break, I can begin looking at the story again with fresh eyes. Stepping back is an editing practice highly preached and for good reason. Let the brain (the little gray cells) rest to gain back perspective, it works!