If you are a busy writer who just finished writing your first non-fiction book, congratulations! If you haven’t finished writing yet, but you want to prepare for the next step, you’re in the right place—time to look ahead to the editing phase. Today’s post, the third in a series on how to write your first nonfiction book with a busy schedule, offers tips on how time-crunched writers make time to edit like a pro.
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Understanding the editing process.
The editing process can be tedious. It requires reading the same text multiple times, with a different focus each time. While there are specific steps you must take in editing fiction vs. nonfiction, the general steps follow a certain pattern which includes:
Step 1: Read the entire text before editing
The goal is to revisit what you wrote and why.
Step 2: Review with a fine-toothed comb
Clean up the manuscript by fixing typos, punctuation errors, grammatical mistakes, and style issues.
Step 3: Look at the manuscript’s “big picture.”
Check to determine if the flow of the manuscript is right. Look for unanswered questions and missing information that would make the manuscript stronger.
Step 4: Fact-check everything.
Check all sources. Ensure the accuracy of all dates, locations, names, and titles.
Step 5: Revise
Once the missing or new information has been added and the gaps have been exposed, it’s time to revise. Aim to remove redundancies, eliminate wordy text, and trim for length.
Before you edit, get organized.
Before you start editing, get organized. Create a plan by answering the following questions:
- On which days do you plan to edit your book?
- How long will each session last?
- Where will you work?
- How will you edit each chapter — individually or collectively as one large document?
- If additional information is needed, how and when will you gather the research?
- What grammar check will you use? Grammarly or ProWritingAid? (Both writing apps are AWESOME!)
Block time on your calendar for editing.
Creating an editing schedule is just as important as creating a writing schedule. Make sure the time you choose to edit your book is when you have the most energy. It would be a waste of time to edit when you are sleepy or have a foggy brain.
Using the answers to the questions above, schedule each editing session on your calendar. Try to select times when you’re less likely to have interruptions. For my latest book, I did my editing between 4:30 and 7 a.m. because it was quiet in my house with little to no distractions.
Use an editing checklist.
Using a checklist to edit your book is a great way to ensure efficiency. A detailed checklist will help you identify specific tips and tricks to follow when going through your novel. Your checklist should include ideas on words to avoid, cliché phrases to remove, and even suggestions for replacements.
Here are a few examples to include:
- Omit unnecessary words – A rule that follows its advice and should be the hallmark of every writer.
- Avoid subtle redundancies – delete anything that is repetitive and acts as a filler.
- Avoid throat-clearing – This is a literary term for a story or chapter that finally begins after a page or two of scene-setting and background. Get on with it.
Create a deadline.
While you’ve created a schedule for the editing process, it is important to set a deadline. Setting a deadline gives you something to work towards. Having a clear deadline will ensure that you complete the editing process to move your book to publication.
Hire an editor.
After self-editing your manuscript, consider hiring a professional editor and proofreader. The following types of editors include:
Developmental editor. This editor provides a structural edit of the book to ensure the book’s text flows well, makes logical points, and answers expected questions. A developmental editor works with the author during the writing phase.
Copy or line editor. This editor conducts a word-by-word review of the book to correct grammar, spelling, typos, and consistency. A copy editor works with the author once the author has rewritten and edited the book.
Proofreader. Before sending your manuscript to print, a proofreader can review your book at the end of the rewriting and editing phase to ensure the book is ready for publication.
Summary
Like the book-writing process, editing is hard work. But I encourage you to embrace editing.
By answering a few questions upfront, you can get organized before you start editing.
In the same way, you made time to write, you must make time to edit. Don’t ruin a great story by skimping on the editing process. Take the time your story needs before pressing the publish button. But create a deadline to stay on track.
Once you complete your self-editing process, hire professional editors and proofreaders to help you get your book to the finish line.
For more information on writing your first nonfiction book, check out these ten steps to writing a nonfiction book. I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
