Proofing & Editing
Previously I have written about proofing and editing your book as a general concept. Today I want to delve into editing a little deeper.
My practice is to divide editing into three distinct yet related phases:
Phase 1: Initial editing
Phase 2: Rough draft editing
Phase 3: Final Proofing and editing
Phase 1: Initial Editing
I imagine there are many authors who simply write and don't worry about editing until they have the finished product. I am not saying such a practice is wrong. What I am saying is that I prefer writing a scene or a chapter and then engage in some editing.
This often results in catching errors in grammar and spelling, but more importantly it usually results in additional or changed text making the storyline bigger and stronger. This method works along these lines: I write text (scene or chapter), I review text with the idea of expanding or adding material, and check for grammar and punctuation errors.
I find this a very helpful practice that results in a stronger storyline.
Phase 2: Rough draft editing
When I have completed the first or rough draft of the book I sit down and proof it. While this can result in additional material, the primary purpose is to catch and correct errors. This is me proofing my own work which can lead to errors slipping through.
Even so, I find it a necessary process. While it is a time consuming process and subject to my subconscious mind letting through errors, it does eliminate many errors. I purposely try to read not as the author but as an reader.
Phase 3: Final Proofing & Editing
In this phase I involve others. Over the years the methodology has changed, but I think I prefer first giving the book to one proofreader and then editing the book before I repeat the process with another proofreader. I have used as many as three different people so that in the end four pair of eyes (three proofreaders and myself) have read the work.
While there may still be errors that slip through, it is kept to a minimum. You will notice that I have kept control of the process from the beginning, which would not necessarily be true with a professional proofreader. When you compare my first book with my following books you can see that the errors became fewer and fewer.
One thing to remember, even after doing your best editing the publisher can still commit printing errors. As long as you are dealing with a publisher, traditional or self-publishing, you may have this problem. The only way to eliminate that is by doing your own publishing, but that is another topic.
Editing is a necessary part of writing. I would encourage you to put yourself in as much control as possible. If after following the three phases mentioned here you still want to use a professional editor, do so with the confidence you have rightfully developed by being involved in the editing process.
My practice is to divide editing into three distinct yet related phases:
Phase 1: Initial editing
Phase 2: Rough draft editing
Phase 3: Final Proofing and editing
Phase 1: Initial Editing
I imagine there are many authors who simply write and don't worry about editing until they have the finished product. I am not saying such a practice is wrong. What I am saying is that I prefer writing a scene or a chapter and then engage in some editing.
This often results in catching errors in grammar and spelling, but more importantly it usually results in additional or changed text making the storyline bigger and stronger. This method works along these lines: I write text (scene or chapter), I review text with the idea of expanding or adding material, and check for grammar and punctuation errors.
I find this a very helpful practice that results in a stronger storyline.
Phase 2: Rough draft editing
When I have completed the first or rough draft of the book I sit down and proof it. While this can result in additional material, the primary purpose is to catch and correct errors. This is me proofing my own work which can lead to errors slipping through.
Even so, I find it a necessary process. While it is a time consuming process and subject to my subconscious mind letting through errors, it does eliminate many errors. I purposely try to read not as the author but as an reader.
Phase 3: Final Proofing & Editing
In this phase I involve others. Over the years the methodology has changed, but I think I prefer first giving the book to one proofreader and then editing the book before I repeat the process with another proofreader. I have used as many as three different people so that in the end four pair of eyes (three proofreaders and myself) have read the work.
While there may still be errors that slip through, it is kept to a minimum. You will notice that I have kept control of the process from the beginning, which would not necessarily be true with a professional proofreader. When you compare my first book with my following books you can see that the errors became fewer and fewer.
One thing to remember, even after doing your best editing the publisher can still commit printing errors. As long as you are dealing with a publisher, traditional or self-publishing, you may have this problem. The only way to eliminate that is by doing your own publishing, but that is another topic.
Editing is a necessary part of writing. I would encourage you to put yourself in as much control as possible. If after following the three phases mentioned here you still want to use a professional editor, do so with the confidence you have rightfully developed by being involved in the editing process.
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