The joy of editing: Print it out!

Good evening, fellow bloggers, readers, and writers!

Last week, I had just gotten back from a trip to Minneapolis and was therefore was unable to write a post for 'The Joy of Editing' series. So this week you will be getting two!

Last post we talked about the macro-edits: rewriting and making the major changes that need to be made to move you to the next step.

So let's say you've written the first draft, and gone through it again, following the steps we went over in the recent post.

Now...though your draft is most likely still a bit sloppy, you should have a much better structured piece to work with as you dive into it once again. But...before you do...take a break. It's very important to set aside a project after you've written and rewritten. You're brain not only needs a rest, but next time you bring it up, you want to be able to look at it with fresh eyes. You'll be able to notice and catch things that you might not if you dig right back into it immediately after you've completed your macro-edits.

After you've taken a few days, a week, or however long a break you need...what's next?

Print it out!

I actually had never printed out a manuscript before until recently while working on my WIP, 'Moments in Time'. I had heard it recommended by other writers, but the thought of using up so much ink for something incomplete that is only going to be scribbled on, didn't sound appealing.

But as I have written so many drafts for this project, I wanted to do everything I could to make sure this book is not just entertaining and compelling, but properly written and edited, sticking to the fiction fundamentals in order to be published.

After going through the steps we've already covered in this series, I decided, maybe I should print it out. The more I read about other writers doing it, I was convinced it was a good idea. (I recommend not printing the whole thing at once if you have more than 100 pages. Depending on your printer, it might run as slow as a snail if you do that. I learned this the hard way....)

What are the benefits of printing out your draft? Well for one thing, there's something satisfying about marking it up with your red pen. When you hold the printed version in your hands, it's much easier to spot grammar mistakes, typos, weak paragraphs or scenes, etc...especially after you've already typed and read it on the computer.

Also, when you edit by hand, those changes stay in your mind clearer and longer than if you were to type them out.

So! After you've printed the manuscript, and maybe have read through the whole thing, now get out the pen, and mark everything you notice that needs to be changed. Take notes of what to look for. Keep your eye out for mistakes, weaknesses and strengths in every area: characters, setting, plot and so on.

Be sure to take your time. Read slowly and carefully, so you won't miss anything. This step may take a while, but it's going to help for when you get back on your computer and make those changes!

After this, we only have one post left of this series! I will be talking about cleaning up and preparing that final draft!

But for now, get out that pen, and start scribbling! Good luck...and happy editing!