Revision And Self-Editing For Publication Step By Step Technique Guide

Editing means make corrections to your own work before presentation.  Revise and edit the previous day’s work before writing anything new.  This revision allows you to follow flow and becomes the first draft.  Proofread using your computer spell check and at the same time with your own eyes spell check, keeping in mind word definition.  Spell check will not include everything.  Check the grammar for correct sentence construction and subject and verb agreement.  Contractions do not (don’t) always express correct grammatical constructions.  Correct constructions result in clarifying with longer descriptive sentences.  Keep in mind how the sentence is usually heard.  Write with complete sentences and vary the structure.  Computer save each change as it is made.  Make changes and save them when errors are seen, rather than an error being left out in a collection of punctuation to add.  Many various changes all saved at the same time can delete entire paragraphs and pages.

When the first draft is complete, then from beginning to end revise and edit the manuscript on your computer.  Major elements like plot, dialogue, and characterization (for fiction,) or structure, coherency, consistency, and organization (for non-fiction.)  This is the second draft and second time to write your book.

Print out a hard copy of the completed second draft of the manuscript.  From the beginning to the end use the margins to print hand notes.  These notes are to make the story detailed with depth in any needed areas for the edit.  Using the completed hand notes for reference, with computer entries adjust the notes into the manuscript to become the third draft.

Print out a new third draft and read your manuscript aloud from beginning to end.  While reading, take notes for attention to the following information.  Enough internal and the external conflict - the plot, the difference of voice for who is speaking in dialogue, growing likable characters evolving through stakes and what happens to them, your style - voice and special personality, keep up the pace without lag to turn pages, word count guidelines and are chapters approximately the same length.  Clarify and describe in any areas for improvement, rewrite or cut keeping the action.  Note down all thoughts and ideas at the time you have them.  With computer entry apply the notes to the manuscript for your fourth book writing.

After completely editing your work you may decide to hire an editor.  There are different editor titles with respect to their position description.  Depending on choice, do not rely on all editors to identify your work content as there could be clarification, or your voice loss.

There are many companies that can provide a list and explanation of their editing services.  The following is a partial list of editor job titles and duties that may vary.

Proofreading, line editing, copyediting, substantive - developmental - content editing, stylistic editing (without changing your voice,) manuscript critique (road map to help you revise,) book doctoring, ghostwriting, writing consulting.

Writing Scenes With Driving Action

Consequences of the character actions are history and position in the plot.  Driving the action are the characters personal motivations to begin taking action.  The challenge in the scene related to the plot continues building the characters development.

Obstacles build drama and add conflict; they are the opposition to the protagonists’ goals.  From the first chapter on, how life is seen and lived with conflict through the arc of the story is the theme and it is settled at the end.  Detail of description enhances conflict and is the writers’ expression of style and voice.

Stretch the emotional tension description between the characters response and action.  Description slows down a scene increasing the feeling.  A character’s response and action are to gain the goal without a loss.  Consequences may be unknown immediately instead of developed expectations and questions need to be justified and answered.  Unfolding or revealing action gives credibility for the readers understanding and interest.

In the first scene establish the protagonists’ key in character with a challenge for consequences.

Opposing dialogue creates conflict and tension in each characters own voice.  Movement is the activity of characters or their surroundings within a scene, the action for forward momentum.  Mobility of characters in an activity or active interaction with dialogue includes a reader in the scene.  A book should connect with readers and there are many interests, some may read for the company of your protagonist.