Happy National Novel Writers Month! Whether you're being a rebel, editing, or wondering what to do next, we can help you with finding the next step in your editing process. Below is just an overview of the steps you should take. We will go more in depth on each one later.
So what do you do after you're done writing your story?
1. Critique partners, beta and alpha readers
The first step is working with a critique partner (read this on Critique Partner). A CP is usually another author with experience and can help you clarify some of your writing. They will cover clarification and structure.
Alphas are readers that deep dive into the story when it’s finished and will often give you a written report. They look for some of the same story issues as betas, but can get further into the nitty gritty details that betas often look over.
Beta readers are your target audience. As the future purchasers of your book, they will let you know if the story was enjoyable, if they noticed any inconsistencies or plot holes, and should be fun to work with. Now there are many ways to run a beta read, but we’ll cover that subject later.
So what is the reader process? I work with my CP’s as I write, either by sharing snippets or entire chapters. I pass my completed, self edited work to betas and alphas at the same time.
2. Developmental edits
This, right here, is important, but it can get expensive. Developmental edits are the artistic side of the editing process. These editors help you get the most out of every aspect of your story, dialogue, characters, plot, and pacing, to name a few.
3. Line and Copy edits
I grouped these two together, but they are different. Line edits aren’t necessary but can help with readability. NEVER skip the copy edit!
Line edits are the artistic flow of each sentence. They clarify the image you want to get across with flare.
Copy edits are stringent and focus on the structure. Think period placements, correct usage of commas and whether you use curly or straight quotations.
4. Proofreader
After all the structural edits are done, you’ll want a proofreader to look at your book. Their job is to make sure that every period is in place, that the quotations are all curly, if there are any misspelled words that you or the editor miss. Keep in mind that no system is foolproof.
5. Formatting
Now for the fun part. Getting your book ready for ebooks and print. You’ll want to make sure that your cover art fits the size of the book. Hardcover with dust jacket, or the standard 6x9. When choosing a formatter, make sure you know the size of your book and request the proper template from your cover designer.
Bonus: Sensitivity readers
If you have some sensitive topics in your book, such as offensive content, bias, or misrepresentation, you’ll want to get a sensitivity reader BEFORE you schedule developmental and line edits.
This is just a concise list from start to finish and you won’t need all of these, depending on your skills or budget. If you are an editor in any form, feel free to leave any tidbits of advice in the comments. Whether you want to pass on information or if we have left anything out of the article above.
This is a very helpful post for all writers who are committed to editing their novel.