A structured editing approach
Once my first draft of a novel is complete, I use a “structured” editing and revising process. What this means is that I make several editing passes through the manuscript, each one focused on a different and specific area of the writing.
Note that I use two key editing tools in this process. First, I draft, redraft, take notes, record feedback, and revise in Scrivener from Literature and Latte. It’s a powerful tool and one I highly recommend to any writer. Second, I use ProWritingAid to assist in the final editing stages to smooth out the prose.
Stage 1: Fix the Story
My first pass is the “story” pass. It’s a major revision – sometimes a complete redraft. It’s all about making sure the story work as a whole – that the pieces fit together, the progression of events makes sense, the ending delivers on the promises made earlier in the story, and, in the case of mysteries, that the clues offered all fit the resolution presented in the end.
My second pass is a less-drastic revision: it’s about “continuity.” That means that the details of the story make sense in their “internal universe.” This has a lot to do with how clues to a mystery are revealed, for example, and making sure they fit together and are revealed in a way that makes sense.
Third, I do a consistency pass on characters, their voices, their descriptions, and their background. A big, blonde dude in Chapter 1 shouldn’t morph into a wiry woman of color in Chapter 27.
The next pass is all about setting and the environments in which my characters operate. This is not only about consistency, but also about ensuring that I’ve provided enough rich detail to allow you to “see” the scene – but also hear, feel, smell, and even taste what my point-of-view character experiences. I’m on this step now with my current novel (A Better Part of Valor).
Stage 2: Fix the Prose
Then comes Beginnings and Endings – making sure they all do their jobs: beginnings hook you into the scene, while endings convince you to turn the page to read the next one.
Step 6: Incorporate any remaining feedback from my critique group. Which can be just about anything.
Step 7 is the “copywriting” step. This used to comprise many more steps, but I’ve consolidated them into one with the help of a product called “Pro Writing Aid.” It flags any and all potential writing issues – grammar, structure, spelling, clarity, redundancy, etc.
Stage 3: Prepare for Publishing
After polishing the prose, the draft goes to my beta readers, a team of volunteers who provide feedback on how they enjoy the story as it stands. Their feedback usually takes the form of what parts of the story work better than others, whether they see holes or inconsistencies in the plot, and where the writing is less effective and needs greater attention.
After which I incorporate Beta Reader feedback, it goes on to the professional editors. Their review is primarily technical: flow, phrasing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
After incorporating their expert advice, I export the document into my presentation tools (Word for print, Kindle Create and Calibre for eBooks) for layout and formatting. This is the yet another opportunity to proof-read and catch errors.
Finally, I procure “proof” copies–actual print copies of the final-formatted document. This is my last opportunity to catch errors before sending it on to production, including layout glitches or anomalies. (For example, I hate it when a single line of text gets “orphaned” onto its own page. I’ll revise the layout as needed to prevent this.)
Then, it’s off to production!
