So, right now I’m a quarter in of editing my first book, Redefined Dreams, and so far, it’s going good. When I began a few weeks ago, it took me twenty minutes to just do the first page! (I think that’s only because I was so focused on perfect editing, as I am a perfectionist at things I’m passionate about). Once I got going, I was soon on page ten, and so on and on, and on. It surprised me that I am really enjoying the editing process, almost more than writing the book.
The one thing that took so long to understand were the editing symbols. It seems like it would be simple to understand, right? Wrong! I found it funny that I became frustrated by the fact that my symbols on paper, didn’t look like how they are supposed to — RELAX, I told myself, and just edit! It’s been a few weeks since I started editing, and so far so good — that’s because I’ve started using Isabella Symbols, which are basically the same thing — at least I understand what they all mean, right?
When I get my computer back, which will hopefully be soon, I’m very eager to start editing and changing the story all around — oh, what fun will that be, but for now, editing on paper isn’t so bad!
So, I ask you, which way to you prefer to edit, on paper or on the computer?
I do most of my editing on the computer but, at critical junctures, I absolutely need to get the manuscript on paper and go over it.
I recently read about changing font style and size on the computer as a way to help spot things that need changing. Must try it on my next book 🙂
Yes! I have to have it on paper, because if I don’t, then I’m not as focused as I need to be when I’m working with paper. In high school, I would edit on paper and then go back to the computer and rewrite it, so I think it’s also out of habit. Thanks for you comment!
I find that it depends on certain factors. How much I’m going to edit, and to I want to keep the original draft. If I want to keep the original draft, I like editing on paper. Because when I edit on my computer, I don’t save an original copy ususally.
I learned how to edit in highschool, took a class on it, and I loved it. I still love it. And I love to edit for people, using the editors marks. I would have to say editing my own work is one of my favorite things to do as well, and at times, I can get lost in the editing more than the writing.
Thanks for your comment, Kate! I’m intrigued, why is editing your own work you favorite? 🙂
Probably because I don’t go back and reread that often, so when I am consciously editing my work, I get a chance to see things I may have forgotten. The finer points. Plus, I’m familiar with what I have written, so if I want to skip over parts, as in, not really focus on anything but what needs fixing, I can. If I’m editing for someone else, I tend to get caught up in their work and story, and have to really force myself to look at it from a more critical view.
I agree! It is easier to edit you own work, just so that the ideas make sense to you! Thanks again for your comment!
I prefer to edit on paper, just because I find I’m more critical of the work, and glaze over less passages. That means I’m quicker to spot a typo, mark an iffy line, or scratch out or annote a scene. However, that tends to get expensive when you’re editing different drafts of a 50-page script, so I largely find myself editing on-screen for the ease and cheapness of it.
Thank you for your comment! 🙂
I prefer to edit using Word so I can easily leave comments for myself and track changes. However, I’ve worked as an editorial assistant in medical publishing and had to proof manuscripts on paper, which wasn’t bad except when I had multiple projects going on simultaneously (talk about paper overload at my desk :0)
Thanks for your comment! I can only imagine all the paperwork on your desk! 🙂
I prefer to edit on paper. It’s too tempting to starting making changes to the document than focusing on the editing. I’m more critical when I’m review the printed document which is a good thing.
Good topic!
Thanks, Elke! I agree with the temptation of making the changes! 🙂
Isabella your posts about writing are so inspirational. Can I ask how were the writers courses helpful and could you have written your book without them?
In response to your post I think you need both editing on paper and on computer. I edit the final copy on paper and then polish it on the computer. If I edit on the computer I will usually do several drafts and then write more to expand what I have written. Like you I am a perfectionist and tend to include details that are important to me but maybe not to others. I appreciate your post on writing. It helps. Thanks!
Thanks for your nice comments!
The writing courses at Gotham Writers’ Workshop were amazing! All my teachers were amazing, especially Leigh Michaels, the Romance writing teacher. I took the Creative Writing course first, just to get my foot in the door, to see if it would spark something in me, to keep me going, and sure enough, it did. I can honestly say that I hadn’t taken the online courses, I wouldn’t have been able to finish my book. Also, I’ve made a few great friends, who are now my writing buddies.
I wish you luck on your writing journey!