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is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date.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
Erika Maki says
Thanks for the quick response, Joanna. I don’t feel pressured to create a perfect first draft of my novel, but it’s good to be reminded. I’ll definitely be coming back to this page during the editing process.
Rebecca Vance says
Thank you for the tips! I am just starting with research and planning for my debut novel. I know that being on a fixed income, I will not be able to afford as much for editing as I would like. I tend to vacillate between traditional and self publishing. I see the pros and cons of both. I have been leaning toward self publishing, but that would mean more cash outlay..oh well, I guess I have a lot of time to decide. I’ve read that many authors spend so long on editing that they never send it in! Do you think that you can over-edit or is there a time when you just stop and say “ok, that’s it!” ? Thanks for your help!
Joanna Penn says
You can definitely over-edit, by that I mean you can keep changing it and changing it forever. Because how can a block of 80,000 words ever be totally correct from everybody’s point of view?
Traditional publishers have deadlines for publication and we must have the same thing – so set your editing deadlines as well as your writing ones. My process is above, and you must decide your own, but I know if I re-read Exodus again today, I would find stuff to change. You’ve just gotta stop at some point!
Robert Williams says
Hi Joanna
I have been a writer for a long time. I have published a small-town magazine where I live. I was also a journalist in the Army but I have never published a book. I just completed my second draft and did notice a lot of errors and had quite a few add-ins. I have enjoyed reading your suggestions but I do have one question. How can I be sure someone won’t steal my idea. Thank you for what you do for new authors. Robert.
Joanna Penn says
Hi Robert,
Ideas are nothing, execution is everything. Plus, editors aren’t out there to steal anything, they are out there to help. All the best with your book.
Anthony says
But Joanna,
I’ve complete a book as well.
But, I have the same question.
Shouldn’t we get copyrights , and how do we go about this before releasing our property?
Thanks……………………………
Joanna Penn says
Please check out this audio interview on rights http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/07/05/a-guide-to-rights-orna-ross/
Mirna says
Hi Joanna,
I love how much information you have for people like me that have so many ideas in mind but don’t know where to start. After reading your blogs I feel excited to know which direccion to head on next. My question is, where can you direct me if I want to do a novel in both, English and Spanish? It would be easier to do everything in English and after Im all done with final drafts and editing, can I just take that novel somewhere and have someone translate it?
Thank you
Joanna Penn says
Hi Mirna, you can hire freelance translators for your books but I don’t have any contacts in this area. You can also sell foreign rights / translation rights and keep the English rights – there are lots of options now. All the best!
Dink Thomas says
Thanks Joanna
I’ve only just recently finished my first ever first draft. I’m lucky to have a good friend who used to be an editorial jounialist and the book reviewer for the newspaper we both work at. She recently retired and said with the time she now had on hand she would help with doing the editing. When I sent her the before mentioned first draft she said “Great now the real hard work starts.” I was a bit dumbfouned because I hard already worked really hard to write my first draft. After just reading your information on editing I now see where she is coming from. Thanks for the insight it is a great help.
BTW I have very low expectations with my first book, if I can get one person to read it (not counting my girlfriend) I will be very satisfied with my efforts.
Cheers Dink
Leigh says
I loved reading through your steps. I’m currently going through my 3rd draft and it has been very time consuming. I remember the butterflies I felt when I finished the first draft, and you’re right it was bare bones. A structure with potential and I’ve since been writing, re-writing, sending it to betas and then re-writing some more. I can’t believe how much time goes into each draft. I started writing my book after I graduated college and here I am, two years later…still writing. Which is what I should be doing now but I googled ‘Well known writers redraft their books a lot’, and came across your blog. But I’m still writing…kind of lol. I’m glad to know I’m on the right course, and hope one day it will lead to a finished draft. Thank you for your article
James says
Hello Joanna,
I have written a few novels but have not published them. I agree with everything you said about what has to be done after the first draft of a book is completed. I am also a teacher and one day the school principal brought a well known local writer into my class and told the students about a new book he just published. After the presentation someone asked him which draft was the most time consuming and I was surprised to hear him tell the class that he writes his 450 page novels a section at a time; that he doesn’t write in drafts. How can that be?
Joanna Penn says
Every writer is different, but some writers refine each part, so mini drafts of each part, rather than writing the whole thing and redrafting the whole thing. Some authors have written so many books that they have internalized the process, but many of them read and edit yesterday’s work before they start today’s. I would also say that some writers still like to keep the writing process a mystique – whereas I am of the community that shares everything and tries to make it accessible. Basically, there are no rules – and who cares, as long as the finished product is worth reading … and for me, and most others, that means multiple drafts and edits.
jenaiya fuller says
Hi im am 14 yrs old. My name is jenaiya. I am writing a book about the teenage Christian life. I will be done by the beginning of November. I have a question though. After it is typed, where do I send it? Is it expensive? How long does this process take? Can you please break it down for me because I don’t really understand.
Joanna Penn says
Hi Jenaiya – I think you should check out some of these resources for young writers
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/07/20/resources-for-young-writers/
I wouldn’t be worrying about where to send things yet – just keep writing!
Hilda Hatter says
Hello Joanna – I have been writing monthly publications for a magazine since 1992. In 1999, friends and readers suggested I write a book about the stories found in the magazine. Over a 22 month period I compiled and expanded upon the stories, printed drafts and edited and the whole nine yards. The non-fiction book was self-published in Sep 2004. It was professionally edited by a writer friend, copyrighted and is registered with the Library of Congress. Now, nine years later I am sorting through all the paperwork of drafts. What do I keep to prove I am the author of this book? The book is in a pdf form for the printer; I have a copy at this point. I started a small home business to sell the book and all records are kept in a safe place should I ever be audited. Question: what portion of the book do I keep for future reference? Do I keep the original draft before the book was sent to the publisher for printing? I look forward to receiving your expertise in this matter. Thank you in advance for your comments.
Kateri Maloney says
Thank you for the images! This may sound silly, but I began crossing out, rewriting, making notes on my manuscript and became frustrated. I figured this was not for me because I have so much ‘wrong’ with my writing. I was close to giving it up.
I know that editing is part of the process, but seeing your line edits that look like my line edits I have hope for myself.
I meant that as a compliment, you definitely helped me return to writing.
Thank you for sharing.
Kateri Maloney
Joy says
Wow! And I thought writing the manuscript was hard enough. I never thought editing was this cruel! lol!
Irene Bateman says
Hi, I am seventy one and writing my first book so far I have done 22,000 words and the same amount if not more will complete my story. I am at the stage where Proof-Reading will take place very soon. Should I type the 22,oo0 words again prior to releasing my work to the Proof-Reader? thank you. Irene.
Krista Frasier says
Hi, I’m a ninth grade student doing a research project and my research project is about what comes after the writing of a story. If you would help me with more sources I can use to write this paper besides your wonderful information, I would be grateful.
Thank you,
Krista.
Norton says
I use Scrivener and am at that point in the process where I want to compile my book. Having written, edited, proof read and so on I am confronted with the concept of page layout. It seems I have to learn a whole new set of skills to get my book into a format that is readable. As an example I have a included several illustrations. When I compile they are not located centrally on the page and the text describing them is messy.
My question is what method do you use to take all those crafted words from Scrivener and have them looking their best on the page so that the entire package of cover, words, and pictures looks immaculate?