EditingSo, l

Chatterbox: Inkwell

EditingSo, l

Editing

So, last year for NaNoWriMo, I started a novel (Light Runs Deeper is the working title, though that may change) that I finished in April, and started posting here, on a thread appropriately titled, ‘GUYS! I FINISHED MY BOOK (insert insane amount of exclamation points here)’. (It sorta died, but if anyone’s still interested in reading it, I’ve been thinking about trying to revive it and posting the rest.)

Well, after taking a break and letting it sit for a few months, I feel that it might be time to pick it up again and start the editing process. Except that I don’t really have any idea what I’m doing. I’ve never really done any editing except a thing or two here and there for a friend, and I’m not quite sure how I would go about it. I don’t even know where I would start. Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming.

I thought maybe some of you could help me out. How do you guys edit? Have any of you tackled an editing project like this before? If so, how did you go about it? Any input or advice would be much appreciated!

submitted by Leeli
(August 10, 2018 - 6:18 pm)

back to the Inkwell

Congrats on finishing your book!

so personally I've never actually used this advice, but I once read about having the tab you have your actually story on, and a blank writing space, rewrite your story on the blank space, and you'll be more likely to notice little mistakes, or decided you hated that second paragraph on page 45 (or something equally as strangly specific). the procedure is probably long and tedious, but I hear that it's worth it.

also, if you look online there are a bunch of ideas and advise on revising editing, and kinda anything about writing

I hope this helps! good luck! 

submitted by Annabeth C
(August 10, 2018 - 9:05 pm)

Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind.

submitted by Leeli, Top!
(August 11, 2018 - 8:26 am)

Congrats!

So, I'm currently editing my friend's WIP and I want to be a book editor when I grow up, so i can try to help you edit! What's the book about?

As far as editing advice, pretend that you're your English teacher, or some other person that would be very good at editing your book. I don't know why it works, but I usually spot more things from that perspective. Also, try reading it out loud. 

submitted by Shy Peacock, Tree of Life
(August 11, 2018 - 10:44 am)

YAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY it's finished and going to be edited!!!!!!!!!! *tackle hugs Leeli* I can't give much editing advice because I've never actually gotten past chapter 1 of any of my novels that started off well, and, um... yeah. I just wanna say, too, that I am totally in awe of anyone who finishes a novel and all, and I would love to read it and jump back in with Eris and Finn and Triss and Rowyn!!!!!!!! TOP!

:D :D :DDDDDDD 

submitted by Aspen
(August 11, 2018 - 1:54 pm)

*falls over from tackle hug* Thank you! Yay! I’ll try to top the thread!

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:32 pm)

Thank you! Your help would be much appreciated. :) It’s about...a lot of things. Elves and humans and other beings and powerful stones and strange creatures and battles of light and darkness, and a lot of other stuff. Sorry, I’m not very good at explaining books. XD 

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:30 pm)

If you're writing on a computer or digitally, try changing the font/size of the text. I read something that said this can help you see mistakes in your writing. Congrats on finishing your book! From what I read, it was really good. Good luck!

submitted by Quill
(August 11, 2018 - 1:40 pm)

Thank you! I’ve heard that, I’ll try it.

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:32 pm)

My suggestion is to have a beta proof-read. Preferable a beta who knows what he or she is doing and/or a grammer nerd. Maybe contact someone on the NaNoWriMo website? 

submitted by Spring Flower, 春乌艾
(August 11, 2018 - 1:47 pm)

Yeah, beta readers are always good. Thanks!

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:33 pm)

*waves hand franitcally* I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!

submitted by Shy Peacock, Tree of Life
(August 12, 2018 - 8:28 am)

I’ve heard that changing something you’ve written to a font you don’t like can help you look more critically at it. I’ve never tried it, but it makes sense. Hope that helps! 

submitted by Jwyn, age 13, The Realm of Creativity
(August 11, 2018 - 1:48 pm)

Hmm, interesting. I’ve heard of changing the font, but not the part about not liking it. Maybe I’ll try it. Thanks for the advice!

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:33 pm)

Congrats!

I would read through it and see if you can find any mistakes then I would contact someone you trust to help you edit your book. 

submitted by MJ, age 12, ca
(August 11, 2018 - 4:52 pm)

Thanks! 

submitted by Leeli
(August 11, 2018 - 7:35 pm)