There
is a saying: you write the first draft with your heart,
the second with your mind. Editing is a necessary evil
of writing if you want your manuscript to be in the best
shape possible. My personal preference is to start each
day of writing by editing the previous day's work. This
gets my mind and imagination back into the story, and
helps fine-tune the previous day's text. With each pass,
the work should get tighter and tighter.
Once
I complete the story, I print it out, then do a line edit
directly on the hard copy. I am always amazed at how much
different this edit is. I catch so many more mistakes
and change far more text on hard copy versus editing from
the computer screen. I suppose one could edit indefinitely,
but at some point you just have to say enough is enough.
At this point, I usually have another set of eyes read
my work. I have a pool of readers whom I now hire to read
my manuscripts (technically oriented editors or literary
people) and I always send the manuscript to my manager.
If you are just starting out, then I suggest investing
in an editor. A list of my favorites are on the intro
page of WRITING TIPS.
Please
don't ask me to read your work. I get asked this at least
once a week, and I always decline. I simply don't have
time to edit someone else's work, and I don't wish to
be an editor. Once you get someone else's opinion, it
is time to take the next step in getting your book published.
