Edit a Novel A Step At A Time

Whenever I edit a novel, I try to go through it logically. But because it's a LONG process, sometimes I forget where I've left off and need to go back to it.

Recently, I've created a checklist I use, so I can go step by step through all my novels, editing them until they shine. Or until my readers can't put them down till the last word.

Only then are they ready to be published.


The Big Picture

When you get ready to edit a novel, you need to start with the overall view before getting to the details. If the main plot is broken, it wastes your time to tweak wording until it's fixed.

So, start at the "top" with plot. Make sure your plot flows logically, but not necessarily predictably. Take out bits that aren't needed to portray the story, add any details missing to complete the puzzle.

Make sure it doesn't have holes, doesn't trip your reader up anywhere and is full of enough conflict - believable conflict - to carry an entire novel. If you have sections that make no sense, cut them.

Yup. If you're going to edit a novel, you have to learn to discard your precious babies. I mean the paragraphs you may have liked the most when you wrote them.

If they don't fit now, cut them out and save them for another novel, or a piece of poetry. That's part of what can go into an idea file. You may yet find use for it.

If you have sub-plots, and most novels do, make sure they add to and support the main plot, rather than detracting. They should intertwine seamlessly, as if without one, the other wouldn't survive.

If you didn't do this while you were writing your rough draft, create the novel's timeline. Then check to see if each scene is in its proper place along this timeline. If not, rearrange them.


Making A List

Next step, when you're going to edit a novel is to make a list. Or several.

Start with a character list. If you made character sketches like the downloadable ones on my fiction writing character outline page, pull these out and put them in order according to the importance of the character. Keep them close while you're editing to double-check facts.

Then, since you've settled your plot for the most part, make a plot points list to go with your timeline. (Or if you didn't create your timeline, yet, do so now.)

I also make a list of things I know I need to check. Like "lie" not "lay" where I've confused it because of how often I hear it wrong from others and forget it right. Or "created" words specific to my novel that I want to have spelled consistently throughout. Also because I write a series, I need to keep such a list for all subsequent novels I'm going to write.

All along in the writing process, keep copious notes. I find that if I write scenes a few days apart, I'll have a character say something that contradicts what he said several scenes ago. Because it was something that should happen but I'd forgotten I'd already written it. This may be part of your timeline list or plot points list.

The final list I suggest when you edit a novel is a "facts" list. What the heck do I mean by that?

Elements that create the "truth" of your novel. For example, many of my characters have powers like mind-speech and such. My "fact" list about such power details the limitations and capabilities of those powers.

Similarly, if you write fantasy with magic, define the rules and keep a list of them. Historic fiction? Make lists of authentic sayings, period details and such. Same with science fiction or any other genre.

This list also includes setting details. How many steps up to the front door? How many blocks to downtown from the hero's door?

You may find maps of your settings helpful, as well as diagrams or rough blueprints of buildings you refer to frequently. Either that, or be sure you're a little more vague in your descriptions. But the depth is in the details, so don't skimp because you're too lazy to double-check you kept it consistent throughout the novel!


Checking It Twice

Now I never said it wasn't time consuming to edit a novel, so don't complain. You're going to go through it several times.

You already checked your plot and sub-plots. Next, check your characters at the door. Is Fred six feet five, or five feet six? Did you mix it up? Are Gena's eyes green or blue? Why did her hair color change in chapter six? (If she dyed it, fine. Otherwise, change it back!)

Look at your character outlines and be sure, then check details about Fred all the way through the book. Do the same for each character.

Do the same sifting of your setting's times and places. Did you forget it was a week later when you wrote chapter eleven? Fix it.

Then to the real nitty gritty. Check that you've varied sentence length and construction. Check for vivid words, not passive, boring words. You want your reader to "see" your novel clearly.

I take that back. You want your reader to "see, hear, feel taste and touch" everything about your novel. So look to see if you've evoked the five senses off and on throughout. Don't overdo this or you'll throttle your readers
with it.

Go back to again and look at your description.

Is it adding information to the story, or just a flat listing of characteristics of your setting or characters? Take one chapter at a time, then one page, one paragraph and make each description convey the deeper meanings in your novel. Make every word work!

Be sure your "facts" are correct throughout the novel. Even if it's a fantasy or sci fi, you've created a world with rules, and you better be sure you stuck to them.


Are We There Yet?

Think you're done? Nope. You still have to edit a novel for other things.

Have any unneeded characters? Now's the time to ditch them. Missing someone to hold a place or do some needed action? Weave that person in (don't just drop them on a page and wish for the best).

Check setting for discrepancies. Use your "fact" list to be sure the hallway doesn't change direction.

Does the setting add to the story line? Does it need to? If at all possible, make the setting connect to the plot and characters.

Where are your chapters ending? Somewhere good to put the book down (and maybe not come back)? Or are you compelling your readers to continue?

Any details left out that need to be added? Add them carefully, so they don't stick out like a sore thumb.

Now, I have one last task for you while you edit a novel. You may think this sounds silly or tedious, or too time-consuming. But I promise, it's one of the best ways to be sure your novel is a good read.

Read it out loud!

Yup. Every page, every sentence, every word. Read it aloud to "hear" where it's awkward or slow or confusing. Fix those spots.

If you do this last step, you'll be far ahead of the usual crowd. You'll have taken the time to really edit a novel.


A Step by Step Editing Checklist

Since you're going to this much trouble to edit a novel, and there are so many steps to do it well, I've created a step by step novel editing checklist to follow. You can download it free.

Use it to meticulously fix every part of your novel. Be patient, be persistent. It's quite a long process, but it is worth it. If you do it well, your chances of selling your novel increase enormously.

Good luck as you edit a novel with this checklist. I hope to see it on bookstore shelves soon!