A Quick Guide to Editing Methods
Every writer has their own editing style, which makes sense when you consider most people find editing to be the worst part of the writing process. But it’s so, so necessary. They call it “killing your darlings” for a reason; it’s extremely painful. What doesn’t kill you does make your writing stronger.
“Writing is rewriting”
This adage tells you everything you need to know about this method. The idea here is that you write out your whole first draft—no matter how large—and in the rewriting process, the best parts will stick and everything else will improve.
It’s up to you how much you re-write. It might be easiest to simply re-write a chapter here and there; maybe even aspects of a sub-plot. There are some people out there who will re-write whole novels. I am not one, but more power to you!
Get a beta reader
A beta reader is someone who is not an editor but will read your writing and provide constructive feedback on it. An editor would likely be paid and would be expected to provide very good feedback. Whereas a beta could be anyone who you know that would be willing to just be a fresh set of eyes.
Where can you find beta readers?
Luckily today we live in a world where so much is super accessible, thanks to the Internet. Like most writing resources, your best places to look first are Facebook and Twitter. Look for local writing groups or writing groups that pertain to a specific interest on Facebook. Generally, people in those communities are nice, friendly, and willing to help. On Twitter, I recommend looking through the #writingcommunity tag or posting there to find potential beta readers. In addition, Write or Die Tribe also offers a Beta Reading option with our Mentorship packages. Click here for more details.
One of the most interesting places I have found requests for beta readers is on Craigslist. They get posted there fairly often—although if you want to request help on Craigslist, you should be prepared to offer some compensation to your beta.
While they might not be an expert editor—a beta reader will definitely point out holes in your writing that you might not have noticed otherwise.
Print and edit by hand
This is my preferred way of editing. One of the best things about handwriting is that it forces your brain to slow down; to take in information at a slower pace. You’ll feel naturally more inclined to pay closer attention to the words on the page and how to improve them.
I’ll often flip pages over and add or re-write passages or paragraphs completely in order to improve them. I would obviously be able to re-write something digitally but slowing down to handwrite really does allow your brain to process ideas and form sentences with more attention to detail.
Unsure of how to edit or what editing your work needs? Submit to literary magazines.
Are you looking for professionals’ opinions? This is a good way to receive feedback without having to pay anyone. If you request feedback in your submission, you’re more likely to have an editor offer a few critiques upon rejection. Or maybe your writing is already good enough and they will want to publish your writing!
The thing is, you’ll never know unless you put yourself out there. So why not see what editors have to say about your work?
Editing is difficult. It’s annoying. It’s tiresome. But hopefully, some of this advice makes you feel more able to tackle the hill of editing your next piece. Why not try out a new editing style? See if it improves your process.
ABOUT
JESSI QUINN ALPERIN
Jessi Quinn Alperin (they/them) is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. While there, they served as an editor for Forbes & Fifth for two years. Their poetry has been published by 70 Faces and Haunted Zine and they have also had a personal essay published in Twentyhood Magazine and two articles published for Environmental Health News. Jessi previously self-published a collection of poetry they had written between 2013-2017. They are currently a Social Justice Springboard Fellow for Oberlin College’s Hillel.