Writing is an art, but the true magic happens in the editing room! Producing a compelling novel requires more than just putting words on paper; it demands careful revision and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring writer, editing and revising are essential skills all writers should practice. In this blog we’ll explore important editing and revision techniques every writer should know.
Take a break
After completing a draft, resist the temptation to immediately dive into editing. Give yourself some distance to gain a fresher perspective. Taking a break of one to two weeks allows you to return with a clearer mind and a more critical eye, allowing you to spot weaknesses and areas for improvement more effectively.
Read aloud
One of the most powerful editing techniques is to read your work aloud. This method helps you identify awkward phrasing, clunky sentences, and grammatical errors that may have slipped your eye. Hearing your work aloud also ensures your story flows more smoothly, as it reveals nuances in tone and rhythm in your writing.
Cut the clutter
In the editing process, less is often more. Trim unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences to tighten your prose and make things clearer. Look for redundancies, clichés, and verbose language that detract from your writing. Aim for precision and conciseness to engage your readers more.
Beautiful word of the day: CONFLAGRATION. Meaning a destructive fire.
Focus on structure
Effective writing relies on a strong organisational structure. During the revision process, pay close attention to the flow of your story. Ensure that your ideas progress logically and cohesively, with smooth transitions between paragraphs. Experiment with different structural frameworks to find the best way to present your content.
Polish your prose
Crafting good prose is a hallmark of skilled writing. As you edit, pay attention to the finer details of language, such as word choice and sentence structure. Strive for clarity, precision, and authenticity. Use vivid imagery, sensory details, and figurative language to bring your writing to life.
Figurative language uses words or phrases that aren’t literally true but add creativity to your writing. The reader is invited to rely on their prior knowledge and/or five senses to understand the meaning of the sentence.
For example, consider the phrase, ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’. This sentence is really talking about heavy rain, rather than a bunch of dead cats and dogs falling from the sky!
You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.
– Carl Jung
Harness the power of feedback
Seeking feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or beta readers is invaluable in the editing process. Constructive criticism can offer fresh insights, highlight blind spots, and point out areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Be open-minded and receptive to feedback, but also practice discernment.
You don’t have to agree with every single point of criticism or suggestion for improvement, as oftentimes that can make your writing worse, not better (I only agreed with roughly a third of the feedback I got from my book editor).
Master the art of revision
Revision is not just about fixing errors; it’s also about elevating your writing to its fullest potential. Approach revision as a multi-stage process, focusing on different aspects of your work each time.
Start with macro-level revisions to address the big stuff, like plot holes, character development, and thematic coherence (meaning the themes of your story flow well, connect together, and are presented in an easy-to-understand way).
Then deal with the little stuff – the micro level revisions, like grammar, punctuation, and style in your sentences.
Embrace the power of restraint
While it’s important to polish your writing, avoid over-editing. Striving for perfection can be a trap that stifles creativity and spontaneity. Know when to trust your instincts and embrace imperfection as an integral part of the creative process. Sometimes, the raw energy of a rough draft can shine through more brightly than meticulously polished prose.
Develop a consistent editing workflow
Establishing a systematic approach to editing can streamline your workflow and maximise efficiency. Create a checklist of editing tasks to guide your revisions, covering areas such as plot consistency, character development, dialogue, pacing, and thematic coherence. Break down the editing process into manageable steps, setting aside dedicated time for each phase of revision.
Know when to let go
At some point, you have to declare your work finished and release it out into the world. Recognise that perfection is like chasing the sunset: you’ll never get there! Have the courage to let go and move on to new creative projects. Remember that every piece of writing is a journey, and each draft a stepping stone toward mastery.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog on editing and revising. And now it’s time for:
YOU SHOULD READ BEFORE YOU DIE: The Tree of Man by Patrick White. Stan Parker inherits land and clears it to build a rudimentary house. He brings his wife Amy to the wilderness and together they bring up a family, facing domestic upheavals as well as natural disasters along the way. By the time they both die, their once isolated dwelling is surrounded by brick houses. This novel highlights how ordinary people can have moving lives, and be heroic in the face of struggle.
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