June 12, 2006
1:25 pm • Filed under: Uncategorized
I’m taking an online workshop through a RWA online chapter I’m a member of. Self-editing is the topic. Couldn’t come at a better time, considering I need to do some major self editing on the Blaze attempt.
So…the first thing to do is to STEP AWAY FROM THE MANUSCRIPT. Recommended a few weeks but sometimes that’s hard with a deadline. The only deadline I have is myself so…that part was easy. I’d already stepped away from the thing. It’s been a couple of weeks. I’m ready to throw myself back at it.
Next, print it out and read it in one setting. Well, I don’t wanna print it out. First off, my kids have used so much of my printer paper to draw on, I have hardly any left. And I don’t feel like going to the store. So, if you can’t print it out, change the font type and size on your document before you read it on the computer. It’ll trick your brain into thinking you’re reading something else, not that story you just poured your blood, sweat and tears all over for the last *insert amount of time it took to write the darn thing here*.
I was skeptical, to say the least. I didn’t think it would matter that I changed the font type and size. But I went ahead and did it, took a deep breath and ended up only reading the first two chapters. There went the read it in one sitting. But I was too tired. And my son wanted to use the computer to play his Neo Pets game so I was like, I’m done.
But let me tell you this - that font thing worked. I used the Track Changes option on Word (thank you Shelli for explaining to me how that works!) and went crazy. I was editing like a mad woman! All kinds of things I hadn’t spotted before, mostly tightening up sentences.
And I’ve been working on the synopsis. I have to remember this is a business, and if I want to succeed in this business, I need to take it seriously. It’s not all about writing fun stories and thinking up fun story ideas. You gotta work hard at making it better and then try to sell the thing. And the selling tool is the query letter and synopsis (gulp).
Wish me luck while I spend my time in editing land.
Sarah L. Castleberry says:
changing the font is a really good idea! I’ll have to try that on my next read through!
good luck!
Stacy Dawn says:
What great ideas.
Good luck!
Julie S says:
Good luck in editing land!
April says:
What a great idea! I had heard about printing it out. But like you said… who wants to do that?
Who’s the instructor, Karen? I’m in charge of my chapter’s online courses now and I’m looking for instructors. I have no idea where to find them!!
And anyone else who can recommend and instructor or class they liked, I’m in need!
Karen Erickson says:
April, the instructor’s name is Julie Mensch (aka Julianne Goodman). She is a fantasy writer, I believe a historical fantasy writer. A Golden Heart finalist in 04. If you want her email address let me know and I can hook you up.
Shelli Stevens says:
Wow I’m so glad I read your blog today! Because those are great things I’ve never thought to do. well, maybe the put it aside one. But changing the font? Woo whoo! I’m so excited!!! And I’m glad you’re into the Track Changes feature. I’m addicted to it!
Hey, you send the one to CP yet
April says:
Karen, I’d love to get her email addy. You can email me alarwrtr at yahoo dot com :-) Thanks!
Lyric says:
Yeah, have you sent one to Cobblestone yet? We’re waiting…..LOL
Sharon J says:
As you know, I’m also busy editing. Well, I’m not because I’ve put it on the back burner while I set myself apart from it. I know how important that is from my ordinary writing work! The articles I have to send off as soon as they’re written are never anywhere near as good as those I’ve been able to forget for a week before giving a final once over.
I like the idea of changing the font. I’ll have to try that one
Donna Alward says:
Karen, e-mail me. I have something to share with you…that will help with editing. I know it’s helped me IMMENSELY.
D