I don't really make New Year's Resolutions, I make goals, and you guys already saw that. This is different. I need to define my editing process a bit and you guys can be my witnesses. I'm great at writing a first draft. I can usually get it banged out in 3 to 4 months, and that's with a full time job and kids. Editing, however, not so much. I dislike it a lot more, first of all. And I've developed a very thorough, organized processed for the many rounds of edits needed on a good book, which is great. But I realized after writing
Everdream that I tend to languish in this stage.
So, this is what I propose from now on, after my 2-4 week first draft breather so I can have a fresh perspective:
- 2 days for the first read-through with basic notes - this is where I identify big problems and create a to-do list - no actual editing done
- 3 weeks for the first big work-through of edits (with mini timelines established within based off to-do list)
- 2 days for a second read-through - more notes/to-do list
- 2 weeks for the second work-through of edits (with mini timelines established within based off to-do list)
- 1 week for line edits
- 1 week for backwards read-through and edit (sentence by sentence, not word for word)
- 2 days for third read-through and polish
If I can stick to this schedule, I'm looking at about 8 weeks of editing. Now, I know this could vary wildly depending on the book. But I'm going to use this as a timeframe for my deadlines. I'm such a deadline driven gal :)
What about you guys? Do you have a particular editing timetable? Do you like deadlines?
You can do it!
ReplyDeleteDon't hate me, but the editing phase is my favorite. Cranking out the first draft almost kills me, but once I have it on paper and can see the story, editing is easy.
If the deadline is what drives you, go for it. It looks like a very logical schedule you've set for yourself. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a particular timetable and I have yet to face anything but self-imposed deadlines. I get done what I can when I can - except for during NaNo or something like that. Deadlines do make me push myself, so I'm hoping when I have a real one, I can fit myself into that mold. ;o)
It's going to feel so good when you look back at that as "have-done" list instead of a "to-do."
ReplyDeleteAll very achievable! I'm like you, revisions drag on and on. Good luck with this one!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend! :)
I have enjoyed editing, Alexia. Sometimes like Alex, the first draft nearly throttles me.
ReplyDeleteI have very loose deadlines, thank God! Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do this writing thing at all. Good luck with your goals:-)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is mega-organized! My revision schedule requires percolation periods where I don't look at/think about the story at all, so I don't think I could do it as quickly as this.
ReplyDeleteYour schedule looks doable to me. I work well within self-imposed deadlines, but after teaching all day during the school year, I have to budget my writing/editing time to about an hour or so in the evenings. Whatever can be done within that window shall be done!
ReplyDeleteAdmirable goals! Good for you, and good luck. :) Always nice to have a general roadmap of goals. Don't forget to have fun while you do 'em! Editing IS the more time-consuming part about writing. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat goals... best of luck in sticking to them:)
ReplyDelete