OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Many new writers are confused about what happens after you have managed to get the first draft out of your head and onto the page. [Click here to check out my list of recommended editors.]
I joined NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year and ended up with 27,774 words on a crime novel, the first in a new series. It's not an entire first draft but it's a step in the right direction and the plotting time was sorely needed.
Maybe you ‘won' NaNo or maybe you have the first draft of another book in your drawer, but we all need to take the next step in the process in order to end up with a finished product.
Here's my process, and I believe it's relevant whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction.
(1) Rewriting and redrafting. Repeat until satisfied.
For many writers, the first draft is just the bare bones of the finished work and often no one will ever see that version of the manuscript. Remember the wise words of Anne Lamott in ‘Bird by Bird‘ “Write shitty first drafts.” You can't edit a blank page but once those words are down, you can improve on them. [More books for writers here.]
I love the rewriting and redrafting process. Once I have a first draft I print the whole thing out and do the first pass with handwritten notes. I write all kinds of notes in the margins and scribble and cross things out. I note down new scenes that need writing, continuity issues, problems with characters and much more. That first pass usually takes a while. Then I go back and start a major rewrite based on those notes.
After that's done, I will print again and repeat the process, but that usually results in fewer changes. Then I edit on the Kindle for word choice. I add all the changes back into Scrivener which is my #1 writing and publishing tool.
(2) Structural edit/ Editorial review
I absolutely recommend a structural edit if this is your first book, or the first book in a series. A structural edit is usually given to you as a separate document, broken down into sections based on what is being evaluated. You can find a list of editors here.
I had a structural edit for Stone of Fire (previously Pentecost) in 2010 and reported back on that experience here. As the other ARKANE novels follow a similar formula, I didn't get structural edits for Crypt of Bone and Ark of Blood. However, I will be getting one for the new crime novel when it is ready because it is a different type of book for me.
Here's how to vet an independent editor if you are considering one.
(3) Revisions
When you get a structural edit back, there are usually lots of revisions to do, possibly even a complete rewrite. This may take a while …
(4) Beta readers
Beta readers are a trusted group of people who evaluate your book from a reader's perspective. You should only give them the book if you are happy with it yourself because otherwise it is disrespectful of their time.
This could be a critique group, although I prefer a hand-picked group of 5 or 6 who bring different perspectives. I definitely have a couple of people who love the genre I am writing in as they will spot issues within the boundaries of what is expected, and then some people who consider other things.
My main rule with beta readers is to make changes if more than one person says the same thing. Click here for more on beta readers.
(5) Line edits
The result of line editing is the classic manuscript covered in red ink as an editor slashes your work to pieces!
You can get one of these edits before or after the beta readers, or even at the same time. I prefer afterwards as I make broader changes of the book based on their opinions so I want the line editor to get the almost final version.
Line edits are more about word choice, grammar and sentence structure. There may also be comments about the narrative itself but this is a more a comment on the reading experience by someone who is skilled at being critical around words.
The first time you get such a line edit, it hurts. You think you're a writer and then someone changes practically every sentence. Ouch.
But editing makes your book stronger, and the reader will thank you for it. [You can find a list of editors here.]
(6) Revisions
You'll need to make more changes based on the feedback of the beta readers and line editor. This can sometimes feel like a complete rewrite and takes a lot of detailed time as you have to check every sentence.
I usually make around 75% of the changes suggested by the line editor, as they are usually sensible, even though I am resistant at first. It is important to remember that you don't have to change what they ask for though, so evaluate each suggestion but with a critical eye.
(7) Proof-reading
By this point, you cannot even see any mistakes you might have made. Inevitably, your corrections for line editing have exposed more issues, albeit minor ones.
So before I publish now, I get a final read-through from a proof-reader. (Thanks Liz at LibroEditing!) After Crypt of Bone was published, I even got an email from a reader saying congratulations because they had failed to find a single typo. Some readers really do care, for which I am grateful and that extra investment at the end can definitely pay off in terms of polishing the final product.
(8) Publication
Once I have corrected anything minor the proof-reading has brought to light, I will Compile the various file formats on Scrivener for the ebook publishing platforms. I will then back the files up a number of times, as I have done throughout the whole process.
(9) Post-publication
This may be anathema to some, but the beauty of ebook publishing is that you can update your files later. If someone finds a typo, no problem. If you want to update the back matter with your author website and mailing list details, no worries. If you want to rewrite the whole book, you can do that too (although some sites have stricter rules than Amazon around what is considered a new version.)
Budget: Time and money
Every writer is different, and there are no rules.
But in terms of time, your revision process will likely take at least as long as the first draft and probably longer (unless you're Lee Child who just writes one draft!). For my latest book, Exodus, the first draft took about 3 months and the rewriting process took about 6 months.
In terms of money, I would budget between $500 – $2000 depending on what level of editing you're looking for, and how many rounds. You can find some editors I have interviewed as well as their prices here.
I believe editing at all these different stages is important, because it is our responsibility to make sure our books are the best they can be. But if you can't afford professional editing, then consider using a critique group locally or online. The more eyes on the book before it goes out into the world, the better.
What's your editing process?
I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Do you have a similar approach or something completely different?
Top image: BigStockPhoto old spanish manuscript, Bigstockphoto time and money
Tim L says
I have had a serious structural edit done on one of my novels and it was an amazing process. Looking back, I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with all that I learned. I shelved the novel, as I was exhausted by the process. I told myself that I had moved on to other projects. I still have it sitting on my (virtual) shelf. Now I think could be ready to tackle that book and give it the serious rewrite that it needs…. maybe after I’m done my current novel.
I certainly intend to get a structural edit for this one. I plan to publish it and I want it to be good. And I now feel confident that I can do the work.
Anyway, I enjoyed this piece. I like reading about someone else’s process. It gets me pumped to sit down and do the work. Cheers!
Pat says
Thanks so much for your info. I am writing my first book. I guess I will now begin the rewrite.
Early appt. in the morning, have to run.
Patty says
this is helpful. I’ve done the first draft and on my second run I made a huge number of changes. I think, after reading this article, I’ll print and do a final run through. Then I hope I’ll be ready for the next step.
Ben says
I have had a structural edit and content assessment recently on my first book, and thought that I would be offended or insulted by any critiques that came my way. But honestly I found the assessment to be extremely helpful and insightful, helped me look at my own writing from a different angle. I can’t recommend having a manuscript assessment enough.
Additionally, this checklist you have compiled is great, I will most definitely be following it as I try and reach my goal of publication! Thank you
Kaitlyn says
I’m currently writing a true story, and it’ll be in the format of a journal. This is mainly because I’ve journaled ever since I was a preteen, and I want to keep the story authentic. I’m making changes to the entries so they’re more reader friendly, respect privacy, etc. However, I’m curious. Is the editing process any different for a true story written in this manner? Finding where to start, and deciding what to use and not to use might be the biggest question… But there’s little that can actually be changed regarding a true story… You can’t just move events around, not unless I okay it because it is about my own life. So I’m super nervous about other people taking my sentences, my story, my journal entries, and no longer making it me in the editing process, all for the sake of publication… That’s the biggest thing I guess. Any thoughts? Tips?
Christopher Fleming says
I started to write my true story and curentley half way through but my problem is I stated from my childhood to my present age at 73. I am happy so far with what stage I’ve reached but I have no idea where to place the chapters. I’m writing about when I was sexually abused by men of the catholic clothe in Ireland. Followed by my experience in serving with the United Nations in the Congo during the civil dirty war. Moving on to my experience moving to London and fighting epilepsy. I could go on but as I explained I have no idea how to format my writing in placing chapters in the correct place. I might add I have only recently learned to read and write so my writing certainly needs proofing,. Can you advise please
Many thanks
Christy Fleming.
Christen Mattix says
Thank you so much for demystifying the process! I can’t wait for your post on how to find a publisher.
Joanna Penn says
Glad you liked it – but there won’t be a post on how to find a publisher 🙂 I’m an indie, so check out this page for your options: http://www.thecreativepenn.com/publishing/
Barbara says
Editing is one of the things with writing that is time consuming. I generally do four to five edits before sending it to an editor. I was lucky in that my first book didn’t need that many edits. Because of the way I write, my first real draft isn’t too bad as I have the book blocked out and other than a character taking me places where I didn’t plan for them to go, it is just a matter of minor revisions and polishing.
L.J. Diva says
Joanna, just wondering how many times you print the book out for editing, and do you keep all the edits?
I’m running out of space for gathering edits and proofs of the books and am just wondering what other authors do, whether they keep all the print outs, or the first and last, or what they do with and how they store them etc.
Joanna Penn says
I do one main edit so print the whole thing out once these days. I print 2 pages of text on one piece of paper so it’s not too massive and I just keep all my old drafts in boxes 🙂
Jenny says
Thanks so much for compiling this and sharing it for us newbies. I truly never had even an estimate of a correct process or the cost so now I feel much better grounded.
Wondering what your thoughts are about using Scribophile or Critique Circle or others as beta readers?
Thanks!
Ebrima says
Thanks for the details breakdown. I am wondering if one person can do both structural and line edit. I am writing a non-fiction and I can get the critique readers but am not sure if I can afford two editors.
Ebrima
Joanna Penn says
Yes, you can get someone to do both – but often, they are at different phases i.e. you will have to do rewrites after a decent structural edit at the beginning of your writing career
Annamarie says
Hi Joanna, I had all those edits done it took four month.
I am glad I did although I had to change Editors because the first one wanted to re write my book for me (almost), I expected an editor to do the editing, not to tell me what my character acne or cannot do. As a dog.
Cate Hogan says
A very helpful article, thanks! I’ve been trialing editors for my current romance WIP, including industry stalwarts from The Big Four, to freelancers and hobbyists, *budget* options and the gurus who cost a pretty penny. From 9 to 5 I’m an editor myself, so it’s been great experiencing the process from a writer’s perspective. I’ve documented some tips below on what to look for in an editor (and what should send you running), which you might find interesting.
http://catehogan.com/25-things-look-for-romance-editor/
Lindsay says
My book is ready but I am still so lost. This article was helpful but I still don’t know anything about publication or copyright or illustration, etc. Any advice on my next steps?
Joanna Penn says
All the publishing info is here: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/publishing/
Andy Rose says
Hi Joanna! Thanks for this post; it’s very helpful.
Quick question: If I’m working on a trilogy and have the first novel’s first draft done, should I start outlining and writing the second novel or wait until the first one has been marked up? I’m not sure which would better but I’d like to keep up my momentum from NaNo. What do you think?
Joanna Penn says
It’s all about how you work – no one can help you with that 🙂 personally, I always finish one book before working on the next.
Danielle says
I edit as I go, polishing and polishing again. Often, when I find myself stuck and unable to write the next scene, I’ll go back to the beginning and tinker with the sentences. By the time I’m done this book (which is very soon!), I’ll have read it over 300 times. Hopefully though, it won’t require a major edit, just a final sweep. I adapted this writing/editing process from Dean Koontz and Anne Rice; both only work with one draft and continuously clean as they go. 🙂
Randal Marksberry says
Hi, I am just curious as if there are publishers out there, that will do all of this for you on a percentage basis, without my having to put any money or time towards it. I mean isn’t that pretty much how it worked before all of the internet came along. (Providing they like it of course). This method, I believe would be best to someone in my predicament, newbie, and of course on a very limited fixed income due to being disabled. I hope you have some advice for me, and I enjoyed your interview with Reedys. Thank you
Joanna Penn says
If you want to go the traditional publishing route, that is of course, still an option 🙂 There are lots of books and blogs around getting an agent and a publisher, wishing you all the best.
Jeanette says
I have finally finishen first draft of my first Novel, and I already began the process of rewriting, but didn’t rally know how to go about the process. Agter reading this post I have a clearer mind on how to tackle this baby of mine.
Thank you so much for Sharing – i didn’t Even know about structural editing…. Will definately get one of those
Cliff Farris says
Here’s me.
First three drafts got a story in place. Next ones fleshed out characters. Following efforts focused on dialog – it was deficient according to people in my little book writing club. Then it was on to story.
At the eighth draft, I am now polishing up the story structure – Hook, Initiating Incident, 1st plot point, 2nd plot point, 3rd plot point. Along the way, I have carefully picked words in common use in 1849 among sailors at sea and in the California gold rush.
I have rewritten the opening scenes about 18 times.
I have included as much emotion and action as I can pack in. The story is moving along well, and the end might be in a distant sight.
The historical novel has gotten better with each draft. How good is it? I don’t know, but several beta readers have enjoyed it. The final test will be when the public sees it – if they ever do. I hope so.