5 Rules to Editing Success - my Kryptonite for storytelling
My first full length book was written when I was 14 years old. I discovered it while emptying a box during my last move. It was written by hand on foolscap paper in my swirling cursive handwriting.
The pages yellowed, the words smeared in places but the joy it brought me to find it: priceless. It's from a time I vaguely remember. The story I can't remember and it isn't important. I wrote a story!
Now, I'm in my forties and written 11 books. I'm more experienced in my storytelling, more vivid in my descriptions, the conflict in my plots is more engaging, I feel a connection with my characters. But what I still hold onto from back then...my dislike for editing.
I've overcome my fear of getting to The End but I haven't overcome my Inner Editor trying to edit instead of write. I'm working on it, but my last book, my middle grade chapter book series, was over-edited. I discovered this gross error after finally breaking down and handing it off to an expert.
My learning from this experience: stop while you're ahead! I did three read through's before handing it off to an editor and that was one too many. Good thing I saved each draft so really all I have to do is go back to the previous draft and do another read throught...or not. I may just hand it to her and say, "Let's try again."
I know what not to do now! It's why I've hoarded my other novels and haven't gotten past the initial read through. It's just not in my wheel house so I move on to more fun things, like writing.
I've also learned to relax during the Editing process. It's my story, if no one else likes it but me, it's okay. I'm practicing my craft, honing my skills, learning as I go, growing as a writer. What I wrote when I was 14 years old compared to now, well, it doesn't compare. The richness of my storytelling has evolved because of my learning, growing, and especially, my editing.
I've also learned (through NaNoWriMo) not to edit while I'm writing. I know I add words like 'that', 'really', and 'suddenly' throughout my first draft. As I go through my first read through, I eliminate those unnecessary words because I'm reading it out loud and hear how bad it truly sounds.
Here are my Rules for Editing Success:
Rule #1: Read it out loud as soon as possible.
I've learned during my editing process to fix those ear twisting words as soon as I hear them. It helps the story flow better and sound stronger. Punch up the conflict, remove the fluffy words, listen to the nuance of the story as you go.
Rule #2: As soon as you're done a read through, pass it on to your 1st Reader.
My 1st Reader is my handsome, patient, and very supportive beau, Walter. He reads it for me, asking for clarification when necessary, and usually wants me to add more drama into the story.
Perfect! I need him to tell me what's missing. What does an 8 year old want to read?
It helps he's creative as well. His photography background helps him teach me how to use the setting as an ideal backdrop for the subject.
Rule #3: Use constructive criticisms to help enrich your story.
As I've said to my beta readers, "Tell me what it needs". I shut off my motherly instinct to balk at suggestions to change my story, and encourage my beta readers to tell me what's lacking or requires clarification so the reader's experience is enhanced. All of them are happy to help!
Rule #4: I'm not an expert in editing, hire out the work.
Sometimes it's better for you, and the story, to let the experts aid in the storytelling process. We all have a role. I've learned mine is the Idea Creation and Plot Development side of storytelling and my editor is on the Finished Product side. It works for me. I don't need to be an expert in every aspect I just need to know who is and pass off my book to them when it's ready. Next!
Rule #5: Let it go!
As with most things nurtured and encouraged, there has to be a time when you let it go. You say good-bye and watch it leave the nest. I'm still working on this one, as I am with the rest of the Rules above, but I must say, I'm learning it's the best way. If I hold onto it, control it through every process, I'm not doing the story justice. I'm not letting it get to the people I want to read it. I must let it go, improve it, massage changes to it's interior, for the flow to continue. It's in the best interest of the story and the world at large.
I hope you've enjoyed this post. I've enjoyed sharing my editing journey with you. It does us all good to encourage and help each other for the betterment of storytelling.
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