Fiction Writing Tips on Manuscript Editing
How to Edit the Fiction Novel for Submitting to Book Publishers
May 12, 2009
Creating a work of fiction between 70,000 and 150,000 words long is a magnificent achievement and some authors celebrate the completion of such a first draft. It is very likely, however, that the novel will require editing and polishing. But how does the writer go about doing this?
Improving, Redrafting and Revising the Novel
Once the first draft is completed and underlined with “The End”, the writer might be tempted to go back to the beginning and read it through. This is not always a good idea. Whilst the creation is fresh in the author’s mind and has become an integral part of the writer’s life, an objective judgement will be compromised. Errors will become invisible and gaps in the plot could be missed. Sending it off before a proper redraft will result in a rejection letter from the publisher. The best thing to do is to put the manuscript away for at least three weeks and begin another project.
Editing the Writing
Once the writer has had adequate space from the novel, it is time to retrieve it from its hiding place and to take a look. But not before clearing the diary of all duties. It must be a day for nothing more than making a cup of tea and reading undisturbed.
Making a Critical Assessment of the Fiction Writing
The first read of a first draft will be at times exhilarating and at others despairing. It is inevitable that some passages will shine more than others but the important thing is the objective view. Identifying a problem means something can be done about it. Missing the problem altogether means the problem will remain. Make notes of anything that needs improvement. Maybe the dialogue comes across as stilted, a plot twist is obscure or the climax of the novel comes too quickly.
Improving the Story
The redraft entails going through each point in turn. This editing process is rather like going over a painting and making adjustments to the composition, neatening lines and adding detail. It is important not to rush this process and to address each point thoroughly. Sometimes the redraft will highlight a problem the author cannot find a solution. If this happens, the following options might be considered.
- Going for long walks, sleep on it and reflect.
- Putting the novel away for a further three weeks until objectivity can be recaptured.
- Asking a trusted reader for their point of view.
Feedback from an Editorial Consultant or Fiction Editors
Some authors may complete several drafts before sending it off to a publisher or showing their work. Writers need readers. Even so, receiving feedback can be daunting for the writer. Family members and friends are not an ideal choice, for their opinion might be tainted by fear of hurting feelings. For a fee, a consultancy such as Cornerstones will offer professional feedback.
Novel Writing Help on the Editing Process of Books
The writer does not have to act upon a particular feedback if their gut feeling indicates otherwise. Conflicting opinions can occur, and this requires careful consideration. A consensus opinion between people can seldom be argued with. But in the end, the last call remains with the author. An author can keep redrafting over and over, but it is important to know when to stop. No piece of work is perfect. But a close proximity is required. This marks the next, very important step for the novelist: sending the manuscript to a publisher.
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