I may have to have "rejection therapy" before I do any events -- or maybe I will just print out your post and read it over and over.

Very helpful post, Carol. Thanks for sharing your process. I'm with you on this—that needing to be edited has nothing to do with lack of talent. We all need good editors, and most people should have their work edited again and again and again. I...

Monica, you are welcome!  One of my own personal weaknesses (besides using a variety of verb tenses in close succession) is meandering so the paragraph technique is helpful for seeing the total picture.

I like the editing process you've prescribed. I think the margin notation might really help me. I used to use beta readers. But now I use my chapter drafts in a critique group so I can get feedback about gaps and plot issues right away. Then I edit...

I am currently revising a lengthy piece, and the paragraph exercise is a perfect tool. My personal weakness is not seeing the forest for the trees; lots of detail, but not getting an accurate grip on the total picture. Thank you so much, Carol.

Thanks, Mardith. Yes, laziness gets in the way. Sometimes I think I can just skim it and get the same result but it always is better to take the time, bite the bullet and roll up the sleeves--uh-oh, that won't pass the part of the self-audit...

Amen Amen Amen. Especially the paragraph skill. I can't believe how many times that has helped my writing and others'. That is, provided I'm not too lazy to use it! Also, sometimes in editing someone else's work, I can't see the structure unless I...