My Revision Process

I think revising and editing are the hardest (and maybe the most important) part of the writing process. Here is what works for me.

1. The First Draft - I write the first version, and I typically don’t edit during this stage. Depending on what’s going on, this takes me about two to three months.

2. First Read Through - I print the book and do a complete read through. I look for spelling and grammatical issues and plotholes.

3. Check the Chapters - I change the view in Word, so I can see a full page. I make sure the chapter lengths are reasonable (so one doesn’t have three pages and the next one has thirty-two pages). Then I read the last paragraph of each chapter. I want them to keep the reader reading past his/her bedtime. You don’t need to give a reader a convenient place to put a bookmark.

4. Dialog Check - Read through all the dialogue to make sure you didn’t leave off any quotation marks. Are there any dialog tags that can removed? Are there any paragraphs that need dialog? Eliminate the chitchat and the boring.

5. Search for the Overused Words - I keep a list of words that I use way too much. I search for each one to see if I can find a better way to say the same thing.

6. What’s in a Name - I search for any names that I change during the writing process to make sure there are no traces of the old one still lingering. I also have multiple series. I do a search to make sure none of the protagonists accidently end up in another’s book.

7. Continuity Issues - After each major revision session, I print a new copy. I do a read-through to make sure that things that are supposed to, stay the same. I keep a big spreadsheet for each series/book for a reference for hair color, eye color, preferences, type of car, etc. Look for places where your character does things out of order (like eating before ordering). Make sure names have consistent spellings throughout the entire manuscript.

8. Read aloud - Read your manuscript out loud or have Word read it to you. You’ll hear words that are used incorrectly that you may not spot on the page.

9. Spell Check - I check the spelling after every major revision.

   I usually read the manuscript at least six to eight times before it goes to my critique partner and critique group. Then it goes to my agent and editor for more revisions.

   What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Revisions, Ugh! Tips for Authors

To me, the revising and self-editing part of the writing process is the hardest. One big lesson I learned early on was JUST write the first draft. My first book took so long because I kept stopping to revise. Now, after I outline the story, I write the first draft. Here’s my process. There is no one, right way. You need to find what works for you.

1. Outline the book. This keeps me focused, and I don’t get stuck in the saggy middle. It also helps me write my synopsis later.

2. Write the draft. No editing. No proofreading. BIFOK (Butt in Chair; Fingers on Keyboard)

3. Print a copy and do a read through. This is usually when I go back and add description to hit my word count. (I am notorious for coming in under my desired count.)

4. Make all of the edits.

5. I usually print the manuscript again and go through it a few more times. Sometimes, I’ll put it down for a few weeks and then go back to it.

6. After I think it’s “ready,” I submit it to my critique group and writing partners for more revisions and feedback.

7. I make the needed edits.

8. Then I send it to a paid editor for line edits and copy editing.

9. Yep, you guessed it. Make the changes.

10. I print the manuscript again and proofread.

11. Sometimes, I have a beta reader or two read it like a book and provide feedback. My critique group meets monthly, and we ready only about 50 pages at a time.

12. Then I send it to my agent. Many times, she provides edits.

13. When it goes to the publisher, there two, and sometimes three rounds of edits and changes.

A lot of time and effort goes into the writing process. My critique group, beta readers, agent, and editors are invaluable! For me, the revision stage often takes longer than the research/writing part.

Happy writing!

My Proofreading Tasks

I appreciate my beta readers, critique group, editors, and proofreaders. They help me spot things that are hiding in plain sight in my manuscripts. I can read and reread chapters and miss mistakes. Here are some steps I use when I’m self-editing to make sure that I catch as many of these little gremlins as possible.

1. Always run a spell check after any edits are done. This gets rid of most of the run of the mill typos.

2. I keep a list of words that I overuse (e.g. was, were, that, just). I do a search and destroy for these.

3. Every time there are major edits, I print out a copy of the WIP. I find more errors when I proofread on paper than when I do reading the on-screen version.

4. Sometimes, I’ll use a particular character’s name or the corresponding pronoun too many times (especially in the same paragraph). When I print the WIP, it’s easier to spot repetitive words.

5. I check character names (especially if I changed a name during the editing). Look for alternative spellings of names too (e.g. Marcia/Marsha; Steven/Stephen). I write two series with female sleuths, and I’ve been known to use the wrong character name in the WIP. I do a quick search to make sure I didn’t make that mistake again.

6. Create a chart of all your character names and locations. This helps me keep names straight, so I don’t have three Bob’s in the same book. It also helps me keep details like eye and hair color straight.

7. I reduce the page view to 25% on my document and check chapter lengths. In the early stages, I’ll end up with a four page chapter and one with twenty page. This helps to keep them about the same length.

8. During major edits, I reread the first and last paragraph in each chapter to make sure that it grabs the reader. At the end of chapters, you don’t want the reader to decide that it’s a good stopping point. Make them read past their bedtimes.

9. Go through your WIP and look for mundane dialogue. It’s hard, but you need to cut it. It doesn’t move your story along.

What works for you when you’re proofreading? What would you add to my list?

How Did I Miss That? Tips for Proofreading

I can spot a typo or misaligned text a mile away in someone else's document. After working on a project for a while, I'm no longer able to spot them quickly in my work. Here are some things I do to help improve my proofreading.

1. I proofread a paper version each time there are edits or major revisions. I miss things when I proofread on the computer screen.

2. If I'm tired, I put it down and come back later. I miss things when I'm not 100% focused.

3. Turn off the TV. I can't proofread if the TV or a movie is on at the same time. I do listen to music. I proofread best to jazz or light classical.

4. I often read aloud to check for errors or cadence problems in the dialog.

5. When I proofread, I read word for word. When you read fast, you tend to skip words. A pro told me once that to be very effective, you need to start at the bottom of the page and read each word (right to left). It takes the words out of context. 

6. After my manuscript is edited and corrected, I ask several beta readers/proofreaders to go through my manuscript. The more eyes, the better.

7. When I'm checking the final copy, I look at everything (title page, chapter numbering, headers, footers, acknowledgments, etc.). I have had typesetters make mistakes or omit a header on a page.

8. These are my favorite editing/proofreading/grammar resources on Twitter. Check them out. They have the best advice on all things grammar and editing.

• Kris Spisak
• Annie Acorn