Last January, I blogged about some of the DisciplinaryLanguage I’d learned since entering the world of writing. I’ve come a long way, baby, but I’m learning new stuff every day.
The phrase of the week is First Round Edits. I’d heard published authors toss the terminology around and I’d nod my head like, “Oh yeah, I know what you’re talking about.” Well, I do now. It’s when your editor sends your manuscript back to you for the first time and it has blood all over it. Not literally.
Because there are Rounds to the editing process, it always makes me think of boxing. It turns out, it’s a little like that. Not because of the blood. I don’t feel like I’m getting beat up, unless you count the dry eyes and numb rump. The editors I’m working with are amazing. The comparison comes with how I have to respond.
Boxers get in the ring to win. It requires training, a plan of attack, focus, and pacing. Handling edits takes all those things too. Instead of a ring, I sit in a comfy chair. I’ve been training on “Track Changes” in ever since I hooked up with my critique partners last year. My plan of attack is to take one chapter at a time and make it right. I have to focus on the changes to be sure I don’t make mistakes. As far as my pacing, I’m still trying to figure it out. I’ve learned that coming out swinging tires me out, so I’ll try another approach tomorrow.
As I step into the ring (sit on my butt), I look at my opponent (computer screen) and I’m ready to throw a few punches (type a lot). After the bell rings (deadline), we’ll see if I’m still standing. Ding, ding.
Any experienced authors out there have great advice for tackling edits?
Dig on in! 🙂 I save the document as a new file, and if I’m in a particularly dirty (as in heavily marked-up scene), I’ll cut the scene to a new document, edit it there until I’m happy with it, and dump it back in.
I love feedback that makes the books stronger. 🙂
That’s a great idea about cutting it out, fixing it and putting it back. I may have to try it. One of my issues is that I write in Scrivener, so I’d like to make the changes there, too. So far, I’ve made them in Word and copy/pasted. It works as long as I don’t miss a paragraph (which has already happened). hehe Live and Learn. Thanks for sharing, Jamie. Happy editing!
Hi Meda. thank you for dropping in at my blog. You left a comment there but I’m not sure if you wanted me to send you the Triberr guide because there is no email address.
Congratulations on your new publishing contract.
Wendy @ @ Fabulosity Reads
Thanks, Wendy. I thought I left my email, but must have forgotten. I’ll DM you on Twitter.