The Power of Edits and Rewrites

Why Authors Should Embrace the Process

It’s that time…I feel it in the air.

National Novel Writing Month is here.

I am not partaking in National Novel Writing Month this year due to my work schedule, but I’ll be cheering for you all to write those 50k words!

And when you do, guess what you get to do? Edit!

Editing and rewriting can feel daunting, even discouraging, but they are critical steps in refining any story. The first draft is just the beginning; it's where ideas are born, but the real magic of storytelling comes through revising and fine-tuning. For both new and seasoned authors, the process of self-editing and rewriting is where your manuscript truly comes to life. This blog post explores why these stages are so crucial and provides a comprehensive checklist to guide you through your self-editing journey.

Why Edits and Rewrites Matter

Edits and rewrites aren't about fixing “mistakes” alone; they’re about clarifying and enhancing your narrative, deepening your characters, and ensuring the story resonates with readers. Here’s why editing and rewriting are essential:

1. Improves Story Flow and Pacing
   In early drafts, pacing can be uneven, and the story may include unnecessary scenes. Editing helps create a smoother flow, balancing action with quieter moments and adjusting pacing to match the story’s needs.

2. Enhances Clarity and Coherence
   It's easy to overlook plot inconsistencies or unclear character motivations when drafting. Through editing, authors can spot gaps in logic and improve coherence, ensuring readers follow and engage with the story.

3. Strengthens Character Development
   Characters often evolve through rewrites. By revisiting their arcs, authors can make sure characters are consistent and compelling, deepening emotional connections with readers.

4. Polishes Language and Style
   The tone, voice, and style are refined during edits, giving the story a unique feel that aligns with the narrative’s themes and setting. Revisions allow authors to replace clichés, fix awkward phrasing, and make language choices that support the mood of the story.

5. Corrects Technical Errors
   Grammar, punctuation, and formatting may seem minor, but they significantly impact readability. A polished, error-free manuscript allows readers to focus on the story without distractions.

Self-Editing Checklist for Authors

Here’s a self-editing checklist to guide you in refining your manuscript. By tackling each of these areas, you’ll create a polished story ready to capture your readers' imaginations.

1. Structure and Plot

• Is the central conflict clear and compelling? Ensure that the main plot is engaging and well-defined from the beginning.

• Do subplots enhance the main story? Remove or revise any subplot that doesn’t add depth to the primary conflict or theme.

• Is the story’s pacing balanced? Look for slow sections that drag and fast sections that feel rushed, adjusting accordingly.

• Does each chapter have a purpose? Ensure every chapter drives the story forward, developing characters or advancing the plot.

2. Character Development

• Are character motivations clear and believable? Every character should have clear motivations driving their actions.

• Do the main characters have distinct voices? Dialogue and narrative choices should reflect each character's personality, background, and goals.

• Is there growth or change in key characters? Make sure main characters evolve throughout the story, especially in response to major events.

• Are supporting characters relevant? Remove or consolidate characters that do not contribute to the story's central themes or plot.

3. Dialogue

• Does dialogue sound natural? Read dialogue aloud to catch unnatural phrasing or forced lines.

• Is the dialogue purposeful? Dialogue should reveal character, advance the plot, or add to the world-building.

• Do tags and beats add clarity? Use tags sparingly and add action beats to convey character emotions without overusing “he said” or “she replied.”

4. Scene Crafting

• Does each scene serve a purpose? Each scene should contribute to character development, world-building, or plot progression.

• Is the scene pacing appropriate? Check if important scenes are given enough space to resonate, while less crucial moments are concise.

• Do scenes start and end with impact? Begin scenes with a hook and end with a sense of closure or suspense to maintain reader interest.

5. Setting and World-Building

• Is the setting vivid and immersive? Use sensory details to bring your world to life, but avoid info-dumping.

• Does the world-building support the story? Your setting should enhance and reflect the story’s themes and conflict, whether in a fantasy realm, futuristic city, or familiar neighborhood.

• Are the rules of the world consistent? Make sure any unique elements (like magic systems or tech) follow established rules and remain consistent.

6. Language and Style

• Is the tone consistent? Ensure the language aligns with the story's mood, genre, and themes.

• Are descriptions balanced with action? Avoid overly descriptive passages that slow the story down, but make sure important scenes are vivid.

• Is passive voice minimized? Use active voice wherever possible to keep the prose dynamic and engaging.

• Are there any clichés or overused phrases? Replace tired expressions with original language to keep the story fresh.

7. Technical Editing

• Grammar and Spelling: Run a spell-check but also read carefully to catch homophones or words spell-check might miss.

• Punctuation: Make sure punctuation is consistent with style and genre conventions.

• Format and Layout: Check that formatting, such as font, line spacing, and paragraph indents, is consistent.

• Continuity Errors: Look out for small inconsistencies, such as a character’s eye color changing mid-story or settings described differently in various scenes.

8. Feedback and Further Edits

• Seek Beta Readers: After a thorough self-edit, share your work with trusted beta readers. Their feedback can reveal issues you might have overlooked.

• Revise Based on Feedback: Review beta readers’ notes and make adjustments as needed. Address consistent feedback first, as this usually points to genuine issues.

• Final Proofread: Once all revisions are complete, perform a final proofread to catch any last-minute typos or formatting errors.

In the end…

Editing and rewriting may feel daunting, but they’re transformative steps every writer must embrace to bring out the full potential of their story. This process not only hones the craft but also allows you to present the best version of your work to readers. With each edit and rewrite, you’re not just polishing words—you’re enhancing your storytelling, deepening your characters, and ultimately, creating a story that resonates. So don’t be afraid to take a red pen to your manuscript; every change is a step toward something remarkable.