How to edit your novel

Hey!

First let me preface this discussion by saying that this method is mine and the one I use personally for my work. I have used it on multiple occasions for shorter fiction and self-publishing (which I won't try to advertise to you here.)

This isn't to invalidate my method but rather to say that if it doesn't work for you, that is okay. Just as writing is subjective, so is the way we do it. But I thought I would outline my re-drafting process for the sake of some people who are struggling to work out what to do next.

1️⃣First comes first

I have mentioned before that I consider my first draft my 'vomit draft.' This is to say that I just write as much as possible without too much critiquing - as this slows me down and it's easy to get caught up in my own head. I believe that turning off your inner critic helps you just go get words on the page.

I know people like to take their time with it, but I want to write a lot of different projects. If I spend a lot of time on my first draft, I end up taking years (I have done that before...)

2️⃣Second draft

The second draft is my favourite in a way, and I am currently in that stage now for my current novel. Here, I write the chapters again from scratch, with only brief glances back at the first draft.

I would have outlined it before starting, but now I have got the first draft done, I know the story. I understand what happens when and how to handle the pacing. It also lets me foreshadow events or scenes that I didn't plan for when writing my initial draft.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Alpha Readers

The best thing that I have found, is having some friends who are writers or are well-versed in storytelling. For me, I have about four friends, all of whom will happily tell me my writing is rubbish and that I need to make changes.

I mainly use my alpha readers to pick out major story elements and make sure it doesn't suck. They pick up on things such as character motivation, stiff dialogue, and confusing plot points.

After you have sent it off to them and gained feedback, it's time for another re-draft.

📖Beta Readers

Some successful authors are lucky enough to have a large group of beta readers who can read through the book to make sure it is enjoyable. I am lucky enough to have friends and family who don't mind picking through it in their spare time. It makes my life a lot easier - they are brilliant at that. Even my girlfriend offers to read through it even though she doesn't read Fantasy or Science Fiction (of which I like to write both).

🔂And onwards

From there, I just sit through and check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes - anything that might have slipped through. It is funny how you may read your novel over and over and still manage to miss the odd 'their' or ' there.'

Hopefully, this has been helpful for anyone who has finished their first draft and struggling to decide on what the next action should be. I know others may believe that once you have written your first draft you should move on to a new project straight away. However, just like writing, I think of editing and redrafting as a skill that you will inevitably have to learn.

I would love to hear any other methods of re-drafting that other people have, as recently I spoke with some friends and found out that we all seem to have different ways of going about it.

That's all from me today,
Fin :)