4 Secrets Behind An Awesome First Edit (Self-Edit Like a Pro: Part 2)

Before You Start Editing (Self-Edit Like a Pro: Part 1)
6 Main Categories For Editing Fiction (Self-Edit Like a Pro: Part 3)
Editing Non-Fiction - The Big 5 (Self-Edit Like A Pro: Part 4)

Editing a first draft can be extremely overwhelming. Here are 4 tips to ease the process of reading through your manuscript for the first time. Yes, you read that right - the first time. There will be plenty of read-throughs, so be prepared! When I edit a client's manuscript, I go through it several times, each time editing a different aspect.

Ready to get started? Let's go!

1. Decide HOW you'll read your manuscript

I don't know about you, but I can't read from a screen for too long, so I always prefer printing out manuscripts. Other people are different. They like reading on their laptops or iPads. Whichever way you choose to read your manuscript, make sure you have a way to make notes, annotations, and highlight selected passages. These notes will be very useful!

For your first read-through, try not to change anything major just yet. Read it carefully, make notes so you don't forget, but don't jiggle anything around.

2. Update your outline

Next, update your outline! You may have started writing your first draft with a clear idea of where the story was going to end up and how it was going to get there. You may have even had a scene-by-scene breakdown of what was going to happen in each chapter.

But writing doesn't work like that!

When writing a first draft, the story can sometimes deviate from the order and outline you had originally planned. Especially if you are writing at the speed of light for something like NaNoWriMo!

So, when reading through your draft, note down the changes and update your outline. It's always useful to have an accurate outline of your book on hand. Not only is it beneficial when editing because it gives you a birds eye view of your story, but it is extremely helpful when it comes to pitching to agents and publishers.

3. Blooper files to the rescue!

Remember last week when we talked about switching your mentality and detaching yourself emotionally from your draft? Well, this tip will prove invaluable!

We've all heard the phrase "kill your darlings" when it comes to writing and editing. This doesn't mean kill off your characters (well, not always!); it means sometimes you may have to cut a really well-written passage because it just doesn't serve the story.

This is where the Blooper File comes in. Open a document on your laptop and paste anything you cut from your draft. You can label the passages, sort them into categories - whatever you like! This is a place to keep all those words you love but don't serve your story or book well. That way, you don't feel too upset when you need to cut something.

I once read a companion guide for a novel which included "deleted scenes" the author had removed during her editing stage. As a massive fan of her stories, this bonus material was an absolute delight to read!

4. Essential research

When writing a first draft, how many of us spend more time on Google than we like to admit? I know I do. But when I'm powering through a first draft, I have another little rule - no big researches. Researching is for the outline process and the editing process, NOT the writing process.

If you have a character who committed a murder, you might not have all the facts clear in your mind, medical or otherwise. So during this first read through, highlight the things you need to research.

If you're writing a murder mystery, maybe you need to find out how a silencer works on a gun. Do you have a couple walking through Central Park? Then you need to know the layout of the park.

Many writers live in fear of the FBI discovering their search history, but that's the price we pay for accurate and realistic writing!

All of these random but factual details bring your story to life for the reader. As a mother, I hate reading an unrealistic birth scene, for example. It's disruptive and frustrating!

Share your tips!

So, there you have it! 4 secrets for a smooth first reading of your draft! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. As always, connect with me on social media and tell me any top tips and traditions you have when reading your manuscript for the first time.

@: k.stottandrew@gmail.com
Insta: @khadijahwrites
FB: Facebook.com/khadijahhayley

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@: k.stottandrew@gmail.com
Insta: @khadijahwrites

FB: Facebook.com/khadijahhayley