To finish off our week we have Jessica Subject giving her input on writing and editing.
LP: As a multi-published author, have you found any difference with the amount of work involved when self-editing a story when you’re a plotter vs. being a panster?
JS: I’m not sure, as I’ve only ever written my stories one way. I plan them out in my head, jot some notes then begin writing. There may or may not be research involved as well, depending on the story. I do find that the more books you have out, the more time you spend promoting your work, which can take away valuable writing time.
LP: Do you write a first draft? If so, do you set yourself a deadline?
JS: I always write a first draft. Often I set a deadline, but I don’t always meet them due to other obligations that arise. If I’ve been away from a particular story, I will go back over the first draft and maybe do minor edits. Occasionally I will see a major plot hole at this point and rewrite anywhere from a paragraph to the entire thing before continuing on.
LP: How long do you set aside the story before editing?
JS: It really depends on the story. The shorter stories, I’ll put aside over night, go over them once then send out to my critique partners. While I’m waiting for their feedback, I’ll work on something else. I guess the amount of time really depends on my CPs. LOL The longer stories, I’ll set aside for a week or longer so I can look at it with fresh eyes. Often I’ll convert the Word file to an EPUB to read it on my Kobo. This also helps to see the story as a reader rather than the author.
LP: Self-editing is a feat that takes more than a few years to nail down. That is, unless you’re a natural. What would you say is the biggest mistake that is overlooked during the editing process?
JS: Not reading the entire story through. When we edit, we often correct the mistakes pointed out by CPs, editors, or those we’ve found by reading bits at a time. All of these edits are good, but without the final read through, there could be several inconsistencies from the changes made.
LP: Do you edit in stages, or do you tackle everything at once?
JS: I do several stages. After I finish the first draft, I’ll look my manuscript over to edit the mistakes I commonly make, take out repeated and overused words, look for plot holes, etc. Then I’ll read it through to look for any inconsistencies before sending it to my CPs. Then, when it comes back from them, I’ll fix anything they pointed out. Then I’ll read it through again. I may set it aside before reading it again, send it out for a beta read, or send it for submission as this point, depending on the length of the story.
LP: If you had to pick one common mistake, the kind that makes your eye twitch, what would it be? In addition, what is the best way to identify and resolve the issue?
JS: Overuse of the word ‘was’, especially in descriptions. This is so easy to correct. Just do a find for the word, and rephrase those sentences. I have several references, besides my thesaurus, which I use to finds ways to rephrase things. See below.
LP: Do you have any recommendations of books to read on the craft, or online resources that are beneficial to new comers in writing?
JS: I have a lot of books, but many I haven’t read. Here’s a list of the books and websites I often use:
- Fire In Fiction by Donald Maass
- Manuscript Makeover by Elizabeth Lyon
- The Bookshelf Muse: http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/
- Sex In The Romance: http://home.epix.net/~jlferri/sexrom.html
- Writer’s Knowledge Base from Elizabeth Spann Craig: http://hiveword.com/wkb/search
LP: Any final thoughts on editing, or prepping a manuscript before sending it off to a crit group/partner or out on submission?
JS: Before sending anything out for submission, make sure you get feedback from someone else. I’m not talking family and friends, but someone else in the industry. There are so many authors out willing to read your stuff over and help. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Thanks for having me here today, Layna! 
It’s always a pleasure to have you back, Jessica!
For more information about Jessica, you find her at the following locations:
Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject
Google +: https://plus.google.com/100079570422204018357/posts
Really good post with great information. I especially liked the part about converting one’s manuscript to be read on an e-reader. I’m going to start doing that.
When I proof my ms, I always read it aloud from beginning to end to catch any final inconsistencies and from the end to the beginning, to keep me from getting involved in the story so I can better catch the nit-picky stuff. It’s laborious, but it’s the only way I can proof.
Thanks Cara! I’ve tried to read aloud before, but I usually get interrupted. When I’m looking over galleys or beta’ing for someone else, I’ll put it on my ereader. For critiques and edits though, I print everything out.
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for having me here today, L!
Hugs!
“I do find that the more books you have out, the more time you spend promoting your work, which can take away valuable writing time.”
Amen to that! Reading the ms aloud is a good idea too, Carol. Thanks for the interview, ladies!
Thanks for dropping by, Jennifer! Yes, I’m finding that right now, but my muse is making her voice heard and I’m writing again.
Good interview! I always love hearing other authors’ writing processes. I also write many drafts and my final draft is always me reading the entire story out loud.
Hey, Alexa! Yes, sometimes I find myself adopting other writer’s techniques. Thanks for dropping by!
Another trick I found for editing …. this works on small section – say a chapter just isn’t clicking and you don’t know why. Read it backwards. By taking each sentence as a stand alone you may find the missing word or words. See how the sentence you read isn’t the outcome. Ie if you read your character enters the room and then read the description you’ll see that it out of order but by reading it forward you know what you want the reader to see so my ‘overlook’ the mistake.
Have a great new years!
Lyncee
That’s a great idea, Lyncee! I’ve been in that situation before. LOL Thanks for stopping by!
Great article — great advice!
Thanks so much, Rie!