- There's no contest so take your time. This process is harder than just writing the book because you are looking for mistakes and ways to tighten the story. Look for repetition, words that have multiple meanings but spelled wrong, markings at the end of the sentence, etc. Expect to have multiple rounds of editing. There is no marked limit so do what it takes in your own speed. It will get done when you're done.
- No one edits the same so work how you feel more comfortable.
- Don't read your work off the computer screen. This may hurt your eyes after a while. You can't write if you lose your eye sight so take care of your eyes. (Some writers have written being blind but its rare). Print your work, then edit.
- Pay no attention to your mess. You're the only one who will see this so go ahead and make your changes directly to the work using pen, marker, pencil, or whatever you prefer. A publisher will never see this so don't focus on appearance just yet. Save that for the last round when its all complete.
- You will get better with practice but reading other books will help. Also hiring someone to assist you in editing may help. Do research to find someone who's right for you and your wallet.
- Join writing groups or critique groups.
- Read out loud. You catch more mistakes this way. If you don't normally studder and you do, then something may be wrong. Missing words are caught better this way as well.
Ok, that's enough for now. If you want to learn more, please check out my website at http://writingforall.com
Amber Rigby Grosjean
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