For Writers
By Writers
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For Writers
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By Writers
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Part 5: Editing and Reshaping
Some writers prefer to get their words down on paper before editing and some prefer to edit each sentence, paragraph and chapter as they write it. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. If you prefer the first one - to write, then edit - there comes a point, after you have finished the story, when you have to go back to the beginning and revise your words. However, the story won't have taken as long to write and will retain spontaneity. If you prefer to edit as you go along then there will be less work to follow in the way of editing, but it will have taken longer to write and may not be as fresh as one where little editing has been done. The way to achieve a happy medium is to experiment with both methods until you find the one that works best for you. I prefer a mixture of both, so I'll write a complete chapter without editing. I read it through the next time I begin to write, editing a little as I go, then write the next chapter. I find this preserves the freshness of my writing and reminds me what has happened in the story so far. I don't do any major editing until I've written the whole thing. Nigel Watts, in his book, Writing a Novel (Teach Yourself Books; Hodder Headline 1996) argues that a writer cannot be imaginative and be ordered at the same time:
'Writing and editing at the same time is like trying to run a race while tying your shoelaces: some forwards movement perhaps, but no chance of winning the race.'
However, there are successful writers who do work this way. The key may sometimes be found in your personality. If you are a methodical, diligent and organised person, then you will probably prefer to edit your work as you go along. If however, you are disorganised, write on a whim, have no set times to write and prefer inspiration to order, then you will probably prefer to edit later.
Editing is necessary and vital to success. A writer who thinks his novel needs no editing or revision is an unpublished one. A painter's first splash of paint on the canvas is rarely the final one - he will seek ways of improving his first attempt, by adding another splash here, painting over something there… Similarly, musicians take time over their compositions; experimenting with different instruments, changing phrases, keys and so on, before they're happy that it's as good as they can make it. Writing is also an art form that deserves a striving towards perfection.
Approach your editing in the same way as you wrote your novel – with enthusiasm. Don't be put off by what, at first sight, seems like a monumental task because with patience and professionalism, you will get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from the essential crafting of your piece. Examine every sentence to see whether it could be improved, for example, by cutting out superfluous words or by changing the sentence structure. Ask yourself, 'Does this word/sentence need to be here? Does it say exactly what I want it to say – or should I find a better one? Or should I cut it out altogether – will the sentence suffer or improve as a result?' It sounds like very hard work, but don't be discouraged. You'll be surprised at how easy this becomes with a little practice – almost an automatic process.
Writers often ask me when they should stop editing. There's no simple answer to the question, as writers are as individual as their writing. Someone who writes a superfluous amount of words will need to do more editing than someone who doesn't. However, it is much easier to cut words out than to write them in and the result is tighter and more effective. If you have a tendency to over-edit, then try stop before the point where you're writing back in what you had previously, permanently cut out. A striving towards perfection is enough. Absolute perfection, for all writers, is an unattainable goal.
By the time you have finished this first edit, you will more than likely have a messy manuscript that is full of additions, omissions, altered phrasing, notes in the margins and so on. This is where a word processor is invaluable. All the revision can be very easily changed on the screen and reprinted with minimum effort. Acquire and learn to use one if you haven't already done so, as it will probably be the single, most useful present you will ever give to yourself. (See Kye Valongo's excellent guide to buying a computer in Writer's Forum April/May 2000 issue.)
Next comes the reshaping – but don't worry! It's not as hard as you may think. Consider your novel as a whole and ask yourself the following questions:
Let's look at the above questions in more detail. The starting point is where the story begins. Take a long, hard look at your opening and ask yourself if it's the right place to start – sometimes the first couple of pages are just a warming up for writers, and the real starting point is a few pages in. Ask yourself if that first page has enough impact to draw in your readers and make them want to turn the page to find out more.
Maintaining interest. This is a hard question to ask of yourself, because of course it's interesting to you! Look at your story sideways, from a different angle. Put yourself in your readers'position. Would they think that a particular chapter was simply padding – the waffle before you get to the action? Does your story hit a stagnant point midway through? What can you do to maintain interest if this is the case?
The next question deals with order. Consider carefully the order of your chapters. If you think there's a lull midway it can sometimes be solved, with a little re-writing, by switching the order of the chapters. It sounds unlikely to a first-time novelist, but try it anyway – it may just solve the problem. Remember the maxim, 'if in doubt, throw it out' . Whether a whole chapter, paragraph or single word is causing a problem, have the courage to throw it away and see if it improves things. You can always put it back later if you need to.
Consistent characters. You'd be surprised how many characters initially have blue eyes that change mysteriously to brown halfway through, or are tall, dark and handsome at the beginning and become less stunning as the novel progresses! Check that you haven't done this, then consider whether your characters are consistent. Although your main character will have a problem which results in change of some sort, it's important to remember that people's basic character traits remain the same. Someone pliable, easy-going and happy with their lot may indeed change by the end of your novel as a result of the situation you have given them, but try not to make the change too radical as it won't be believable. A nasty character might reform or regret what they have done, but they won't change overnight into angels.
Time and place. One of my students once wrote a story where the character came out of her hotel, walked half-way across a vividly described island, met a man, had an argument – and then turned around and stormed directly into the hotel… which was actually on the other side of the island! Remember where your characters are, what the time is, what they are dressed in, how they're feeling. It's okay to jump to a point months ahead, or go back in time using flashback, but make the transition easy for your readers – use a new chapter, or paragraph at the very least, to signify that a change has taken place. One visual shorthand method for this in the middle of a chapter is the use of one or three stars, which signify to the reader that a significant pause has been reached. Here's how it looks on the printed page:
Consider your ending. Ensure that you have finished at the right point in the story. Sometimes, especially with first novels, the author feels the need to tie up all the loose ends, provide explanations and justify their characters' actions. Your story may be better if you finish a couple of pages – or even a chapter - before that point. Remember, your readers are intelligent and have gone this far with you, willingly suspending their disbelief while you tell them a fictional story. They will make their own assumptions based on what has happened to the characters along the way and they don't need lengthy explanations to inform them of this.
The next stage is to ask someone to read it through for you. You will by now be so close to your own work that you will be unable to see the glaring errors or omissions that a pair of fresh eyes will pick up immediately. Don't be tempted to ask someone to read each chapter as you write it, because they will become irritated by your editorial changes and will not appreciate reading draft after draft of the same thing. Wait until it's finished and you have edited it at least once before you ask their opinion. Be picky in who you choose to read it for you. Ask someone who likes to read the sort of novel that you have written. A member of your family or a close friend will be generous with their time, but they may think twice about giving you the sort of constructive criticism you will need! You may prefer someone from a Writer's Circle to do this for you, or you can request a reading by one of the advisors who regularly advertise their services in Writers' Forum .
Ask the person you have chosen to edit wherever they feel the need and not to worry about messing up the manuscript – you can always reprint the pages. Any comments, no matter how large or small, may have a bearing on your work as a whole. One of the hardest things for a writer to get to grips with is criticism, especially when the baby they'd thought was perfect gets a real bashing. Remember, it's not a criticism of you personally. The person who reads your work has your best interests at heart and is helping you to do the best it is possible for you to do. Consider the comments they make carefully and revise your work accordingly. You can reject their advice if you really feel that it really would be detrimental to your writing, but at least consider their comments carefully before you reject them. And remember to thank them for their efforts!
In the final part of this series, we'll be taking a look at marketing and presentation, and getting some sound advice from publishers and agents in relation to first time novelists.
Eight Steps to Successful Editing
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