Editing. Just saying it might make you feel a mix of fear and excitement. It’s a big challenge for writers, like a test you have to pass to get your book out into the world. It’s not just about fixing mistakes; it’s about digging deep and making your story the best it can be. Think of it like turning a rough piece of metal into a shiny, sharp sword. Pretty cool, right?

Let’s talk about the steps of editing, kind of like going on an adventure with your story.

First Step: Finding What Makes Your Story Special

You’ve spent two whole years writing this story. After a year, you’ve got a draft. Great job! But now, the real work starts. You’ve got to turn that rough draft into something as awesome as your favorite book. You’ll spend a lot of time adding little details that make your story special because you wrote it. It’s not perfect, but it’s yours, and you love it.

When you’re done, you might feel super proud and a bit nervous. It’s like you’ve been working on this secret project, and now it’s time to show it to someone else.

Second Step: Sharing Your Story

This is where you let some trusted friends (beta readers) read your story. They’re there to tell you if it’s as good as you hope. The tough part is waiting for them to read it, especially if your book is really long.

When you finally get their thoughts, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. They might find parts they love, but they might also tell you some parts didn’t work for them. It’s hard to hear, but it’s super important.

Third Step: Making Tough Choices

Now you’ve got to think about their feedback. Maybe they didn’t like a chapter you loved, or they thought some parts were boring. It’s tough, but remember, you picked these readers for a reason. They’re helping you make your book better.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and start fixing things, even though it’s hard to let go of some parts.

Fourth Step: Building It Back Better

Here’s where the magic happens. You start fixing the bits that didn’t work and adding new, better stuff. It’s like giving your story a makeover.

I’ve been doing this for the last six months, starting over a few times, and each time my story gets a bit better. It’s a cycle, but each time, the idea of the finished book gets more exciting.

How do you know when you’re done? For me, it’s when I can read my story and not want to change a thing. It just feels right, giving that sense of wonder and chills.

If you’re getting ready to edit your story, or you’re in the middle of it, remember this: You can do it! It might be tough, but it’s all about making your story the best it can be. Keep going, don’t give up, and believe in yourself!

I’ve been quiet for the last several months. Balancing marketing, writing, and editing, all while managing a job, demands a significant chunk of time and energy. But consider this moment as me picking the ball back up. Over the next few posts, I’ll delve into various methods that have been instrumental in my efforts to get words onto pages, and refining those words through editing. If you’re a curious reader, I hope these insights will offer you a window into the intricacies of the writing process. And if you’re a fellow writer, I’m eager to exchange experiences. I’d love to hear your own tips and tricks for navigating the creative labyrinth of writing and editing.