Thursday, January 17, 2013

In Which I Make Some Editing Resolutions

I don't really make New Year's Resolutions, I make goals, and you guys already saw that. This is different. I need to define my editing process a bit and you guys can be my witnesses. I'm great at writing a first draft. I can usually get it banged out in 3 to 4 months, and that's with a full time job and kids. Editing, however, not so much. I dislike it a lot more, first of all. And I've developed a very thorough, organized processed for the many rounds of edits needed on a good book, which is great. But I realized after writing Everdream that I tend to languish in this stage.

So, this is what I propose from now on, after my 2-4 week first draft breather so I can have a fresh perspective:
  • 2 days for the first read-through with basic notes - this is where I identify big problems and create a to-do list - no actual editing done
  • 3 weeks for the first big work-through of edits (with mini timelines established within based off to-do list)
  • 2 days for a second read-through - more notes/to-do list
  • 2 weeks for the second work-through of edits (with mini timelines established within based off to-do list)
  • 1 week for line edits
  • 1 week for backwards read-through and edit (sentence by sentence, not word for word)
  • 2 days for third read-through and polish
If I can stick to this schedule, I'm looking at about 8 weeks of editing. Now, I know this could vary wildly depending on the book. But I'm going to use this as a timeframe for my deadlines. I'm such a deadline driven gal :)

What about you guys? Do you have a particular editing timetable? Do you like deadlines?

10 comments:

  1. You can do it!
    Don't hate me, but the editing phase is my favorite. Cranking out the first draft almost kills me, but once I have it on paper and can see the story, editing is easy.

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  2. If the deadline is what drives you, go for it. It looks like a very logical schedule you've set for yourself. You can do it!

    I don't have a particular timetable and I have yet to face anything but self-imposed deadlines. I get done what I can when I can - except for during NaNo or something like that. Deadlines do make me push myself, so I'm hoping when I have a real one, I can fit myself into that mold. ;o)

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  3. It's going to feel so good when you look back at that as "have-done" list instead of a "to-do."

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  4. All very achievable! I'm like you, revisions drag on and on. Good luck with this one!

    Have a great weekend! :)

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  5. I have enjoyed editing, Alexia. Sometimes like Alex, the first draft nearly throttles me.

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  6. I have very loose deadlines, thank God! Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do this writing thing at all. Good luck with your goals:-)

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  7. Wow, that is mega-organized! My revision schedule requires percolation periods where I don't look at/think about the story at all, so I don't think I could do it as quickly as this.

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  8. Your schedule looks doable to me. I work well within self-imposed deadlines, but after teaching all day during the school year, I have to budget my writing/editing time to about an hour or so in the evenings. Whatever can be done within that window shall be done!

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  9. Admirable goals! Good for you, and good luck. :) Always nice to have a general roadmap of goals. Don't forget to have fun while you do 'em! Editing IS the more time-consuming part about writing. :)

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  10. Great goals... best of luck in sticking to them:)

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