A Completed First Draft - Editing Tips
Yesterday was a really big day for me. I finished the first draft of the novel I have been working on for the best part of a year. To be honest, the end of it came as a bit of a surprise. I thought there would be one last chapter, but I realized I could achieve the same results with a handful of sentences. Now the hard part -- the revision process. I have to admit, I am really nervous about this bit. The first draft is supposed to be rubbish. That's why it's called a first draft and not a final draft. But I feel more pressure with the second draft for everything to be perfect.
I have been on a self-imposed hiatus from social media so that I could complete this novel, and it has definitely paid off. Now I'm finding myself scrolling through Twitter for advice columns on how to revise your story. The first advice I found was by @CSLakin here:http://www.livewritethrive.com/2012/05/30/five-months-on-the-first-scene/ where she breaks down the essentials for the opening scene of your book. This will definitely help me when I begin my re-write. Other advice I found online that I thought I would share in case you could use them too are:
A practical, step-by-step side for what you actually need to do when editing your novel: http://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/
What to take out/leave in: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/how-to-edit-your-novel
Five key questions to ask as you write your novel: http://writetodone.com/5-key-questions-to-ask-as-you-write-your-novel/
The importance of peer review: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-importance-of-community-for-authors/
Tips on finding and destroying those words you use waaaaay too often: http://crimsonleague.com/2013/04/28/editing-your-fiction-what-are-your-writing-tics/
25 Things to Know About Writing The First Chapter of Your Novel: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/05/29/25-things-to-know-about-writing-the-first-chapter/
I would love to hear any other advice that you have up your sleeves. I'll add anything else I find to the list as I go along.
I have been on a self-imposed hiatus from social media so that I could complete this novel, and it has definitely paid off. Now I'm finding myself scrolling through Twitter for advice columns on how to revise your story. The first advice I found was by @CSLakin here:http://www.livewritethrive.com/2012/05/30/five-months-on-the-first-scene/ where she breaks down the essentials for the opening scene of your book. This will definitely help me when I begin my re-write. Other advice I found online that I thought I would share in case you could use them too are:
A practical, step-by-step side for what you actually need to do when editing your novel: http://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/
What to take out/leave in: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/how-to-edit-your-novel
Five key questions to ask as you write your novel: http://writetodone.com/5-key-questions-to-ask-as-you-write-your-novel/
The importance of peer review: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-importance-of-community-for-authors/
Tips on finding and destroying those words you use waaaaay too often: http://crimsonleague.com/2013/04/28/editing-your-fiction-what-are-your-writing-tics/
25 Things to Know About Writing The First Chapter of Your Novel: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/05/29/25-things-to-know-about-writing-the-first-chapter/
I would love to hear any other advice that you have up your sleeves. I'll add anything else I find to the list as I go along.
Comments
Post a Comment