Editing The Hell Out Of Your Book
Posted: March 5, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 6 CommentsBy now you know I’m catching up on my blog subscriptions. I’m reblogging this one because I NEED easy access to it. After all, Hunter is one of my role models. I hope it’s of use to some of you too.
From my understanding, hell is a place where bad people go.
First drafts are places where hellish sentences, plots and characters lurk. When you edit, you’re a manuscript exorcist. The power of revision compels you! The power of revision compels you!
As imperative as the editing process is, I’ve seen plenty of aspiring writers stuck in revision hell. I know people who have been editing and tweaking their first novel for over ten years. Then there are people who think a first draft is all you need, forgetting that when you say first draft, that implies there must come a second, third, yadda-yadda-yadda. We all can’t be Robert B. Parker who obtained legendary status as a writer who loathed rewrites. Let’s consider him the outlier, not the standard.
When you edit, you have to set tight rules. You want to polish that lump of coal into a diamond, but it…
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Renae Rude - The Paranormalist 
Such good advice!! I just bit the bullet and sent my “contest” short story out to three readers. I think I have – what would it be – writer’s remorse? I almost immediately wished it back so I could give it yet another once over. But at least I hit the send button!! Thanks for reminding us of that middle ground between impulsive submission and submission immobility! Getting to balance – now that’s paranormal!!
I hate that feeling! I suspect, though, that we just have to increase our tolerance, As far as I can tell a piece could always be better.
It looks like you’re meeting all your deadlines. Excellent work.
Thank you Renae for re-posting this. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. This is just my way, and so far, it’s worked. 😉
You’re welcome, Hunter, but it really was for selfish reasons. I need to read this over a few times to GET it.
Thanks for this. Needed it too.
I am in awe of Hunter’s productivity. This a guy I believe. I’m glad my selfish hording of his advice is helping out some others too.