There is no "wrong" way to edit. You can use several rounds, working on one item each round. You can line-edit, searching for all areas through one swipe of the story (beginning to end). You can edit one chapter until it is finished before moving on. It's all up to you. But more than one round of edits, either way, is better than one round period.
More eyes are better than one. I recommend hiring an editor, but it isn't always something we can do--life has a way of putting up roadblocks. If you can't afford to hire someone, please ask people to help you edit. Some writers say 3 is the magic number, some say at least 7 different people. At least more than 1 if you're able to. Beta Readers are good, but not always achievable. Anyone with a good English vocabulary and a good understanding of the written word can help you edit. Teachers are excellent because they have a natural habit of "grading".
Things to ask an editor/beta reader... Is the pacing good? If not, how can it be fixed? Are there any holes in the plot? Were you confused in any area? Selling/Grammar errors? Anything missing? How about repetition? Was I consistent? Was Amy changed to Amanda when Amy was the character? You can include your own questions. What would you ask?
Just like in writing your first draft, go at your own pace. This isn't a race.
Take breaks.
Ask yourself, "Do I lose meaning if you omit this word?" If so, delete it.
Be consistent. If you use numbers, don't go back and forth between the number and spell them out. Say 1 or one, and use that method throughout the whole story. Chapter headings don't count. But if you are labeling chapters, be consistent with that too. Chapter One or Chapter 1. Or an actual title. Or both. Chapter One: The Missing Shoe. Chapter 1: The Missing Shoe. Or simply The Missing Shoe. At the beginning of each chapter, use one or the other; don't go back and forth. Chapter One: The Missing Shoe. Chapter 2--The Missing Sock. See those are not consistent. Don't do that lol.
Title Page. To use one or not. During the writing and editing phases, you don't need an actual title page. You can wait until the formatting stage of the process. I have one from the beginning, but that's me. As I said, we're all different.
If using a computer or laptop, or other electronic devices, you can save your work as one file or you can save multiple files for where you are in the process. Say you just finished the first draft but you haven't edited yet. You can save the file as "storytitle.firstdraft". When you open the file and finish editing, you can save a new file as "storytitle.firstediting", then "storytitle.secondediting" and so on. I have one file per book because it is easier for me, but I have met several authors who do the latter because it's easier for them. Be YOU.
During the editing mode, you can still have fun with the story because this is the time you can really make the story great. It is at this time when you fill in those areas you missed during the writing of the first, second, or third drafts. Reading the story aloud will help you find missing words or phrases. If you feel lost, you may be missing something. Don't get discouraged. Great stories weren't written in a day, they were edited over time (how long is up to you). Strive to make it the best YOU can make it. Then you can pass it on to an editor.
That's all I have for today's post. What kind of tips would you add? Please share in the comments.
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