Want to bring your story closer to published, but can’t afford to hire an editor? In this episode, you’ll learn a four-step strategy to self edit your story.
You’ll learn how to edit for coherence and continuity.
And you’ll get answers to common questions like,
Do you edit as you go? Or do you edit after the manuscript is done?
Where do you begin?
We’re going to go step by step.
From the big picture – the macro level – all the way down to the sentence level – the micro level.
This 4-step strategy works at every stage of the drafting process.
You can use it with a finished manuscript. Or a work in progress.
Because this process will keep your story focused and on track.
And whether you can invest in an independent editor or not, whether you want to self publish or go the traditional route…
I want you to become your own best editor first.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[01:49] Why Self Editing Is Essential.
Learn both the power and pitfalls of indulging in our writing, and common story problems to watch out for.
[04:03] The Unfocused Manuscript.
An unfocused manuscript has too many characters and events that don’t seem to cohere. Learn what to leave in, what to leave out, and what to do with the excess.
[07:33] Strategy 1: Story Events
Learn what story events are and how to test them for continuity.
[13:47] Strategy 2: Chapters
You’ll get clear on the goal of each chapter and structure each as a complete, structured story unit that stands on its own.
[18:34] Strategy 3: Scenes
What makes a scene? Where does it begin, where does it end, and how does it lead into the next scene or chapter? You’ll learn to evaluate the intention of each scene and how it functions in the bigger story picture.
[22:31] Strategy 4: Line Editing
This is the home stretch. Here’s where you’ll go into each scene, paragraph by paragraph, sentence by sentence. You’ll know what to look for in each paragraph and learn quick tips on how to make sentences leaner and more evocative.
Also listen to:
Episode 99: How to Nail Down Your Story In 3 Simple Sentences
Episode 98: Should You Hire An Editor?
Episode 68: How to Use Subplots to Amplify Your Novel
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