This is where shit gets hard. I started really digging into editing over the past couple of days, and I ended at chapter 17. That's pretty good, realistically, but there's a lot of work to do. I'm changing a lot of what happens in my fmc, Vera's POV to give her more character development...while adding a few chapters in my mmc, Lieve's POV to better establish his relationship with a potential love interest.
Looking at my notes from my beta readers and my editor, it's overwhelming to say the least. I know anyone who's done any editing on their debut novel can empathize, and it definitely drains all your brain power. The suggestions from my beta readers and editor are incredible, and although this task is daunting, it's going to be SO worth it. I can visualize what this book can be...and y'all...it has the potential to be really good if I'm good enough to pull off what needs to be done.
Below I wanted to list the steps I'm going to take to edit my novel, so someone in my shoes has a clue of where to start...because I sure as hell didn't have any idea at all. I talked with my tiktok writer girls discord group about where on earth to go from where I was, and they gave me valuable advice! So, without further ado, here it is:
Put any notes from beta readers/editors/etc in listicle form so you can highlight or mark them off once you've resolved that note.
On that same list, write down any other notes you can think of that you want to fix.
Read "save the cat" and fill out the companion workbook.
Print your manuscript out, do not try to edit in the digital version. It sounds silly, but psychologically your brain can't see your manuscript any differently, but when you print it, it's something new and you can see more mistakes...plus, you can mark it on the paper in red pen!
Read your book one chapter at a time and make an outline of what is actually written on the paper. You can make some edits while you write if you want to, but you can wait until a second read if that's easier for you.
Once you reach the end of your book and you've written your full outline of what is actually written in your book, you then make an outline next to it of what changes you need to make and what SHOULD be in those chapters. (then you can re read and make any edits either before of after the second outline.)
Then, chapter by chapter, look at your notes and outline and make those big changes on your printed paper.
Then go back in your digital version and actually make those permanent changes. (you can make a digital copy of your manuscript if that scares you.)
Then, have your beta readers read it again, or ask new readers to read it.
If there are any additional notes, repeat the process.
Rinse and reapeat until no one has any more notes for you.
Print it out again and proof read it. Your eyes will catch more things on paper VS digitally.
Send it back to your editor.
If there are any more changes...make the changes.
Hire a proofreader.
Now, this is where our stories will differ.... because I'm doing all of this before querying and you DO NOT HAVE TO. I've just heard your more likely to get an agent if you have it professionally edited. But, at this point, you should be ready to indie publish if you aren't attempting the trad route! I haven't decided my plan yet, they both have pros and cons....but that's for another day!
You can watch my video about my editing process below!
Happy world building!
Jen
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