Comments on: Editing Your First Novel: 7 Things You Must Know

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:27:26 +0000

Today Jan 3, 2009 I discovered your 7 lessons. How true they ring from my experience. It took me eight years to complete my first novel, yet to be out this spring, and it took lots of editing by myself mostly, my editor who was invaluable, and for the most part helpful feedback by manuscript readers. (Two readers were problematic, and I have learned alot about who to ask to be a reader.)

I found I learned how to be a much better writer by doing the process. I discovered my own voice in a more profound way that no one else can give you or do for you. Recently I read about a teacher who thinks discovering your own voice is akin to having your own unique fingerprint. It is. If you change another writer’s words it’s because you have a book in you, a voice to be heard.

Yes, I learned about that left side of the brain: a whole different process, like putting a puzzle together is how I sometimes experience editing. It’s a wonder any books ever get published as writing is far more arduous than I imagined, and yet, what a rewarding journey. Thank you for confirming what I have learned these last 8 years. I would say multiply times 8! Like renovating a house it takes far more time, energy and cost than you could ever imagine. But then, look at the results of the journey! Susan

By: Patty

Patty — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:18:28 +0000

You’re at the part that I’m looking forward to - or so I’ve always thought. I edited and proofed law books for 12 years and loved it. Perhaps if it’s my words, my thoughts will change. Look, your at the home stretch. Soon you can slide in, roll over, gaze at the clouds and count your blessings in the sun’s rays. Perhaps even a few rain drops will fall on your cheeks just before you reach out and grasp the handle of your pot of gold near the rainbow. Congrats - you’re one step closer to being published.

By: J. Timothy King

J. Timothy King — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:44:35 +0000

Hi, Jim. Yeah, I’ve been critiquing other writers a lot lately, too, especially when it comes to fictional characters. Tonight, I was reading a Danielle Steel novel–best-seller–and I got to one point and said, “NO! He doesn’t do that! Because that’s not in his character. What’s she talking about? He does this instead!”

Eh, what do I know?

-TimK

By: Suldog

Suldog — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:48:56 +0000

Tim - Number 6 made me laugh. Not because it’s bad advice - it isn’t - but because, since I started writing on an almost-daily basis, I’ve found myself critiquing writers who are WAY more skilled than I am. I’ll be reading a magazine article and, instead of absorbing the information, I’ll be recasting the writer’s sentences. “That would have been funnier if he had said it this way…”

As for taking 5 times as long as you think will be needed to edit, hell, I could take 10 minutes just re-editing my above comment, let alone a damn novel. I suspect it would be 5 times as long as it took me to write the book, in my case.