Editing Headaches?

Tips for Rewrites

Issue #1 of 10

Get ready to grab that red pen

You’ve done it! You finished the first (or maybe 87th) draft of your book. Now what? Well, first, celebrate. Finishing even a single draft of a book is a huge accomplishment. But now you must commit to seeing your manuscript through multiple revisions and drafts. Publishing, be it traditional or indie, is a commitment. So buy the rings, say the I do’s, and get ready to start a long-term relationship.

Writing is a unique art form that interacts with the public in an intimate and singular way. No one writes the perfect book in one shot. You must open yourself up to making changes, listening to feedback, and understanding critiques if you want to reach readers in a meaningful way.

In this course, we are going to help you dive into the revision process and prepare your book for publication. Every writer needs to work on their craft and take that red pen to their manuscript. As editors, it is our purpose to help writers take that manuscript and polish it into a book that readers will love. Ready for our first piece of advice?

Take a break!

All too often, writers forget this very simple step in the writing process. Authors can become so consumed by their projects that they lose the ability to look at their work critically.

There are so many benefits of taking a break during every stage of the writing process. It can help you to find those stumbling sentences that trip people up, or it can help you to realize that there is a giant plot hole 48% of the way through. It can renew your enthusiasm and get those creative juices flowing.

Consider taking a break after your first draft, after your second, and definitely when you hit writer’s block. Read more books, binge-watch your favorite TV shows, maybe even interact with people again! Do whatever you want, but make sure it is far away from that manuscript. Don’t just step away for 20 minutes—take at least a few days, preferably a few weeks, maybe even a year—however long it takes for you to regain inspiration and perspective. Want more reasons to take a break? (Because let’s be honest; we all love an excuse to procrastinate.) Check out the recommended reads below.

In tomorrow's email, we'll discuss the different phases of revision so you can start to get a sense of the work that lies ahead after you return from your break.

Until next time,

Carly Hayward