For many people the process of writing a novel is a mammoth task, even for the most gifted writer. Time is spent looking for ideas, researching, planning, outlining. Then characters and plot need to be developed not to mention setting and the all-important conflict to move the action on.
However, ‘The End’ does not signify the end of the writing process. An organised approach to polishing and improving your manuscript will make all the difference when the time comes to market your book for publication.
Time Out
The average novel has a word count of between 80,000 and 120,000 words. That’s a lot of material and writers can become very absorbed in their work. It is essential therefore, to allow some time before beginning the editing process. Start something entirely different, plan the next novel or just relax. But don’t overdo it. Too much time can lead to disinterest and make it more difficult to return to the required task. About four weeks is generally a good rule to follow.
Longhand vs. Keyboard
Writers are very fussy about how they do things. Some write longhand, some directly onto their PC and there is no right or wrong way. However, when editing a full manuscript it easier to correct the printed word. Make sure that you leave plenty of margin and paragraph space for notes and changes.
Checking Facts
If your novel has many facts about people, places, time, it is essential from the reader’s perspective that they are correct. There is nothing more annoying than reading something you know is not true. Keep a notebook for recording facts for checking as you go along. Don’t be distracted into fact checking during the process or you will never finish it.
Allocate Time
Dedicated time is needed for editing a novel effectively. It can be an odd minute here and there but it is far better to do it in chunks of time rather than snatched moments. Don’t underestimate the time required but equally don’t linger over it either. Editing should identify the areas you need to re-write when you have finished the process.
Trust Your Skills
Many of us use electronic spelling and grammar checks for our work. However, these programmes are not always reliable. Use your own knowledge and check with your favoured reference books on the particular issue. Don’t always accept the suggestions offered; make a decision based on the style of your novel. Asking questions on a writer’s forum can also be helpful.
A Fresh Eye
Writing a novel can be a very encompassing experience and writers can become very absorbed with the story and its characters. It can be harder to spot the errors of continuity and gaps if you are too close. Asking someone to read the novel can be helpful. It needs to be someone you can trust to provide critical but constructive thoughts from a reader’s perspective. They may also pick up typos and errors that you have missed.
Reading Out Loud
Reading your novel aloud is one of the most effective ways to edit your novel. Whilst reading you will naturally stumble over clumsy sentences, misspelt words and issues with continuity.
Editing your novel can seem like a mammoth task but it is essential if you want to take the next step towards publication. Publishers will often make decisions based on the first few pages and a tidy, well-written and professionally written manuscript could make all the difference.
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