How to (Try to) Edit a Book #LikeABoss -Reblog

I thought this article contained a lot of useful pointers to use in editing. It’s an important part of creating a book.

I thought about the present day editing process when I was reading a play in which the writing started in 1932 and I saw several errors that would be screamed about today.

I guess no one cared back then because they didn’t have Grammar Nazis back then, they had gun-toting, goose-stepping Nazis.

The Iceman Cometh is a play written by American playwright Eugene O’Neill in 1939. First published in 1946, the play premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on October 9, 1946, directed by Eddie Dowling, where it ran for 136 performances before closing on March 15, 1947. It was the CATS of it day.

 

via How to (Try to) Edit a Book #LikeABoss

 

Denzel Washington in The Ice Man Cometh

 

I use many of these pointers myself before turning books over to the publisher but I can’t stress it enough.  Stick to my grits in saying stay true to your style. It’s signature you. Don’t edit your style away. Your style is how your work is distinguished from everyone’s else.

I know some are going to ask, “What if I’m not a youth and I don’t have years to let something marinate, then come back write it and then look for a publisher, or self-publish it.

The link is a reblog of someone who gives sound advice. I don’t think the original author wrote this as a die-hard rule guideline for every book. I think it is a summary of useful tips.  Most older writers have already done most of the steps mentioned.  You have had your story together for a long time. In some cases for years, but often didn’t have the time to write the first or second draft because you were busy working, taking care of a family, or running your career.

If many of you are like me, your first draft perhaps already been sitting in a closet for years. And you have picked up nibbets or written so many notes over the years to add to your book,  that by now,  you may have written so many notes that you need your friends and family to help you type them all up.  LOL!

Once you put it all together you realized you did a terrific job. There’s nothing wrong with self congratulatory.