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Revision is a Process--how to take the frustration out of self-editing
Nothing gives a writer a life-high like finishing the first draft of a story— and nothing frustrates a writer more than having to revise and edit that draft. Revision is a Process offers secrets, tips, shortcuts, practical advice, and "cheat sheets" that will enable a writer to go step-by-step through a self-editing process to create a reader-friendly, marketable manuscript. Revision is a Process showcases— ** How using 12 simple steps when revising saves time, energy, and frustration ** How to systematically examine the entire story so nothing is overlooked ** How to examine the plot for what's out of sync and for missing elements ** How to avoid "logic flaws," Freudian slips, and faux pas ** How to use "red flag" words to find bloopers and blunders ** How to diagnose a prologue before keeping or deleting it Every writer believes there has to be an easier way to revise a manuscript. Revision is a Process is the gift you've been waiting for. In its pages is a remarkably easy approach to self-editing that will take the pressure off a daunting task and open the path to success
- GenresNonfiction
122 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2017
83 people want to read
About the author
Catherine E. McLean
6 books104 followers I write "Women's Starscape Fiction" where characters are real people facing real dilemmas, and where their journey (their adventure-quest, often with a romance) is among the stars and solar systems, and where there's always a satisfying ending. Writing as C. E. McLean, I have sold short stories in science fiction, paranormal, and contemporary to hard-copy and online anthologies and magazines. My novels are listed at my hub website: www.CatherineEmclean.com. CONNECT WITH CATHERINE at http://www.catherineemclean.com/conne...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 22, 2018
In order to enjoy a book, the reader needs to become immersed in the story and not be dragged into reality by glaring errors in logic, punctuation, or grammar. This handy guide points out the most common errors writers make, many of which annoy me as a reader but which I was previously unable to pinpoint. The author breaks down the editing process into manageable pieces, thus making the task less daunting. She also provides concise advice and examples to illustrate the process. There is even a summary and checklist of the twelve steps at the end of the book.
This is an invaluable guide for the self-published author or any author who wants to polish their work before showing it to anyone else. I’m glad the author states that, even after undertaking the self-editing process, you will still need to give your manuscript to “the best fiction editor you can afford.”
I’m disappointed this book is not available in an ebook edition.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (22 February): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
This is an invaluable guide for the self-published author or any author who wants to polish their work before showing it to anyone else. I’m glad the author states that, even after undertaking the self-editing process, you will still need to give your manuscript to “the best fiction editor you can afford.”
I’m disappointed this book is not available in an ebook edition.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (22 February): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
January 18, 2018
Not only was this a great book for writing and editing but it was a really great book for someone creating a review.
This book is full of tips for editors, authors trying to get their book published, self-publishers and anyone wanting to write well. I have often stated that we reviewers should keep in mind that we are not authors but rather people giving an opinion only of something an author has created. However this book, can help a reviewer as well as an author. This can help anyone composing from all ends of the spectrum, whether you are a well-published author or a student in college composing an essay.
I sound overly enthusiastic but the book was laid out so clearly that what can sometimes be construed as dry reading material was as interesting as a novel. I am the perfect judge of this because I am the first to become bored with something very dry and academic. I didn’t miss a word of this book.
So, in way too many words (according to this author), what I am trying to say is that Catherine McLean crafted a book filled with invaluable learning in an enjoyable way. Absorb all of her excellent tips, excellent writing rules and one of the most important aspects of getting your book noticed by a publisher, editing to perfection.
If you are a writer, seasoned or new to the field, this book needs to be on your bookshelf for constant reference. As a retired librarian I immediately sent an e-mail to my library to get this in their collection.
My closing advice…you’d best be looking for everything she has published as well as any Workshop she gives.
This book is full of tips for editors, authors trying to get their book published, self-publishers and anyone wanting to write well. I have often stated that we reviewers should keep in mind that we are not authors but rather people giving an opinion only of something an author has created. However this book, can help a reviewer as well as an author. This can help anyone composing from all ends of the spectrum, whether you are a well-published author or a student in college composing an essay.
I sound overly enthusiastic but the book was laid out so clearly that what can sometimes be construed as dry reading material was as interesting as a novel. I am the perfect judge of this because I am the first to become bored with something very dry and academic. I didn’t miss a word of this book.
So, in way too many words (according to this author), what I am trying to say is that Catherine McLean crafted a book filled with invaluable learning in an enjoyable way. Absorb all of her excellent tips, excellent writing rules and one of the most important aspects of getting your book noticed by a publisher, editing to perfection.
If you are a writer, seasoned or new to the field, this book needs to be on your bookshelf for constant reference. As a retired librarian I immediately sent an e-mail to my library to get this in their collection.
My closing advice…you’d best be looking for everything she has published as well as any Workshop she gives.
February 1, 2018
4.75 out of 5 stars
“Revision is a Process” by Catherine E. McLean is a nicely detailed guideline of the steps that need to be taken to polish a manuscript. The author gives specifics and emphasizes that it takes time, hard work, and a consistent plan to produce a polished product. She recommends that one should broaden one’s knowledge base by studying books, particularly craft books written by teachers who are also authors, which underscores the fact that this book is an overview of steps to focus on.
I like that she acknowledges the overwhelming nature of revision then breaks it into manageable components. Of course my thrifty nature cringes at the idea of printing out the story (twice!) but the recommendations are practical and a great way to prevent the eye from skipping over errors because of familiarity with the story. It is great that both the mechanics and the story itself are addressed, with explanations for why it is so important to address both and keep the reader invested in the story. As the author states, “Your work needs to stand out from the rest, and that means quality storytelling that’s been ruthlessly self-edited and then edited professionally before publication.”
I would love to make this book a required text for all novice authors I interact with and I daresay it would be helpful to even seasoned writers by reminding them of common errors that are overlooked, such as providing sensory details other than those from sight, or using the outline generated to assist in writing a synopsis and/or blurb. This is a great reference work and I highly recommend it.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Revision is a Process” by Catherine E. McLean is a nicely detailed guideline of the steps that need to be taken to polish a manuscript. The author gives specifics and emphasizes that it takes time, hard work, and a consistent plan to produce a polished product. She recommends that one should broaden one’s knowledge base by studying books, particularly craft books written by teachers who are also authors, which underscores the fact that this book is an overview of steps to focus on.
I like that she acknowledges the overwhelming nature of revision then breaks it into manageable components. Of course my thrifty nature cringes at the idea of printing out the story (twice!) but the recommendations are practical and a great way to prevent the eye from skipping over errors because of familiarity with the story. It is great that both the mechanics and the story itself are addressed, with explanations for why it is so important to address both and keep the reader invested in the story. As the author states, “Your work needs to stand out from the rest, and that means quality storytelling that’s been ruthlessly self-edited and then edited professionally before publication.”
I would love to make this book a required text for all novice authors I interact with and I daresay it would be helpful to even seasoned writers by reminding them of common errors that are overlooked, such as providing sensory details other than those from sight, or using the outline generated to assist in writing a synopsis and/or blurb. This is a great reference work and I highly recommend it.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
March 1, 2018
In this short guide, McLean shares her years of experience and offers secrets, advice, and some nifty cheat sheets to systematically review the nuts and bolts of your manuscript and turn it into a reader-friendly and marketable piece of work.
I'm one of those crazy little people who enjoys revising more than writing the first draft, but for the rest of you writers out there who would rather cross the Sahara desert on your bare knees than edit your manuscript, Revision is a Process will definitely help. Broken down into twelve bite-size sections, you'll swiftly learn the tools you need to polish your work after that first draft is done.
McLean breaks the process down into manageable pieces that make sense. She speaks with authority, but also in a style that is welcoming and encouraging. I discovered in some ways her approach is similar to mine, but she provided tips that would make my own process better. Those cheat sheets are a great idea. It's also smart that she dedicates an entire section to "Grammar Glitches & Punctuation Pitfalls." We can all get tied up with those. She also includes a little bonus at the end.
If you're a writer, self-editing is part of the game. Learn how to play it right. Revision is a Process by Catherine E. McLean can show you how.
I'm one of those crazy little people who enjoys revising more than writing the first draft, but for the rest of you writers out there who would rather cross the Sahara desert on your bare knees than edit your manuscript, Revision is a Process will definitely help. Broken down into twelve bite-size sections, you'll swiftly learn the tools you need to polish your work after that first draft is done.
McLean breaks the process down into manageable pieces that make sense. She speaks with authority, but also in a style that is welcoming and encouraging. I discovered in some ways her approach is similar to mine, but she provided tips that would make my own process better. Those cheat sheets are a great idea. It's also smart that she dedicates an entire section to "Grammar Glitches & Punctuation Pitfalls." We can all get tied up with those. She also includes a little bonus at the end.
If you're a writer, self-editing is part of the game. Learn how to play it right. Revision is a Process by Catherine E. McLean can show you how.
January 9, 2018
Revision is a Process is a well-thought out, easy-to-read, informative book, that gives plenty of examples and descriptions on just how you can tighten up a manuscript. There is plenty of knowledge within the pages, plus shortcuts that the author is happy to share. In bite-sized chunks, you could either read it in one go, or focus on the particular chapter that will help you currently. Personally, I found it very helpful, and will certainly be putting into practice some of the recommended routines.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is self-editing, and wants to know more about what they should do, and how they should do it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is self-editing, and wants to know more about what they should do, and how they should do it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews