Common Mistakes
Writers Make During the Editing Process
Here you'll find excerpts from my presentation titled Common Mistakes Writers Make During the Editing Process. This presentation is intended to provide a basic overview of editing and the common mistakes writers make while editing. Click on a slide to enlarge it. For context, I've provided notes below each slide. I typically schedule this presentation for a one hour time slot, but that's adjustable. For questions or to book me for an event, use the Quick Contact Form.
Section Breakdown
This presentation covers three main areas: the types of editing; the importance and value of self-editing; and what writers should expect when working with an editor.
Types of Editing
This slide lists the four main types of literary editing. Some editors may specialize in a specific type of editing, like developmental editing; others may offer a range of services.
Basic Editing Order
As a general rule, developmental editing should always come before line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Developmental editing highlights large issues, like character arcs or organization. Those global issues should be corrected before grammar, punctuation, word usage, etc. Proofreading, the final check, should always come last.
Self-Editing
Do not underestimate the value of self-editing! Self editing will save you time and money in the long wrong.
Self-Editing Mistakes
Don't get caught in an editing loop. The biggest issue many writers have is simply finishing their manuscript. First, complete your project. Then go back and edit.
Tip: don't begin editing the moment you finish writing. Give yourself a "cool down" period. For shorter works, you might give yourself a couple days. For longer works, you might give yourself a couple weeks.
Working with an Editor
Most of the time, it's a waste of time to contact an editor before you've finished your manuscript. Caveat: if you'd like constructive criticism on a scene, chapter, etc. Constructive criticism is a valuable tool that helps us grow as writers.
Every editor has specialties. If you're writing a children's book, you need an editor who specializes in kid lit. My chosen genres include fantasy and sci-fi, but I do not edit kid lit. Resources like the EFA offer searchable databases to help you find the right editor for your project. (You can find me in the EFA database.)
A professional editor will provide you with several documents. The editor's report is an overview of the work completed. It also notes trends and offers commentary on issues; an editor may or may not offer potential solutions for the issues they spot. Depending on the type of edit you've requested, the editor may also provide "changes tracked" and "changes implemented" documents.
Remember, this is your work. Editors work with writers. Ask questions if something isn't clear, avoid summary acceptances or rejections, and give yourself time to process criticism. If you're not ready to accept healthy, constructive criticism - you're not ready for an editor.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence has come a long way, but it can't yet replace human writers. AI plagiarizes and creates generic, uninspired manuscripts. Use AI for inspiration, but avoid using it to write your book for you.
If you want to hone your craft, don't be a pantser. Do the "behind the scenes work," like outlines, notecards, or character sheets. This will help you and your editor keep track of characters, the storyline, and the overall structure of your manuscript.