8 questions to ask yourself when editing

Editing is, without doubt, one of the most important parts of the writing process. It is often the time when you make sense out of the mess that is your first draft, or at least radically improve what you’ve already got. With this in mind, here are eight questions to ask yourself when editing. Whether you’re an independent publisher, a new writer, a seasoned professional or just having a bit of fun, the task of editing is important for all of us.

Does it make sense?

It almost goes without saying, really. Deciding whether or not what you’ve already got makes sense is one of the most crucial parts of editing. If it makes sense, wonderful. You’re already halfway there. If it doesn’t make sense, you know you’ve got a bit of work to do. Unless it’s meant to be nonsensical. In which case, mission accomplished.

Is it mad?

Not necessarily a deal-breaker, this one, but if when you’re editing you come across a section of writing that seems mad, it probably is. This is often a sign that either that particular section needs to change, or the rest of the draft does. It is often also a sign of ‘eighth cup of coffee’ syndrome.

Could it be better in any way?

If a passage could be improved in any way, however small, make sure you make that improvement. You don’t want any regrets later on. Make those changes while you have the chance.

Does it fit the story?

A common issue when editing is to have a passage of section in a book that doesn’t quite fit with the rest of it. Often we put these sections in in the first place because we like them, or had high hopes for how something might work. It’s frustrating and disappointing when they don’t quite come off as we’d hoped, especially when it relates to our favourite bits, but if it doesn’t fit the story it should probably be edited out. You can always use the material somewhere else.

Is the meaning clear?

Related to the question of whether things make sense is the idea of whether your meaning is clear. Could your sentences be interpreted in a different way? If so, is that what you want or do you want your meaning to be clearer?

What point in the story is this?

Look at where you are in the story and the information that the characters and readers have available at that point in time. Do they know too much or too little? Have you given the game away too soon, or are you expecting them to know things they actually have no reason yet to know?

Would changing it be an improvement?

It can be easy to assume in editing that if you change something, you’re making it better. Often this is true, but it isn’t always the case. Changing things can make them worse as well. If you think that making an alteration would affect the quality of what you’ve written, don’t do it.

Have you done enough?

Finally, when you’re at the end of the editing process and are gearing up to declare it done, ask yourself whether you’ve done enough. If the answer is a resounding ‘yes’, well done. If you’re unsure, don’t quit the editing just yet.