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Part #2: The Process of Writing a Book

2/25/2014

4 Comments

 
Hi!

If you enjoyed Part 1 of The Process of Writing a Book, here’s Part 2.

After you’ve written your first draft, there will most likely be chapters you love and chapters you dislike. To start the editing process, I print out and read aloud my book either to myself or a friend, family member, etc. When I notice something that doesn’t make since, I mark it on the page.

At this time, it’s always good to have a friend or family member or even a person you don’t know very well, read your book and edit it. The reason for this is because you know your writing so well, that you could easily just not notice a missing word or not see a major plot error. I even ask my mom to read over the blog posts that I write. I want to thank all the people who have edited my books. Their feedback as been such a gift.

Sometimes, when you get your book back from someone after he or she has edited it, you might be surprised at all the things that are marked, even if you've received lots of really good feedback. But, the way to keep positive is to know that by taking the suggestions, you’re making your book as good as it can be. Here’s an example of a page my mom edited a few weeks ago.

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Here's a short list of things for you to look for when reading aloud your book:
    • Misspellings, grammar errors, punctuation errors, etc.
    • Plot issues Ex: In my 2nd book, I wanted Rusty to be an important part of the story so I had to weave her in to chapters where she didn't appear.
    • How characters act and appear. Ex: If you’ve described them as smart, don’t have them say dumb things or if a character is short, they obviously can’t see over a tall man unless you explain that the man was sitting on the ground, etc.
    • Anything that you may have changed as you were writing. Ex: My third book, is going to be set at a summer camp. I originally thought it would start on Sunday, but now it will be starting on Monday, so I'll have to go through each chapter and make sure I have the days correct.
    • Whenever you make edits, you need to go back and reread that section to make sure you didn't introduce new errors. 
Of course, there are lots more, but that will get you started. Below is an printable, free Edit Mark Sheet that I borrowed from this link.
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I hope this is helpful to anyone who is considering writing a book. If you'd like more tips, visit this link.

I look forward to your feedback and would love to hear if this has helped you.
Sydney
4 Comments
Gloria A. Brooks
2/25/2014 02:40:47 am

Sydney,

This post reminds me of how much editing work I have left to do with my Seamaid story you heard today. I'm even thinking I should illustrate it myself, but, that would be a huge undertaking. I did my own illustrations (cartoon) for another book I wrote back in 2001 called Blephy the Flashlight Fish. I ought to dig that story out too to share in my Marine Biology class someday. So many stories. So much editing. Thanks for sharing your writing experiences!

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Sydney Campanella link
2/25/2014 03:51:33 am

I really enjoyed your Seamaid story today and it would look so neat if you illustrated it. You must have put a lot of work into Blephy the Flashlight Fish if you wrote it and did the drawings. Good luck to you and your writing!
Sydney

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Lisa Kline link
2/25/2014 10:22:58 am

Sydney - You are such a wonderful blend of practical and creative. The perfect combination for a writer! And especially for a writer of mysteries. Thanks for these tips. And you also are quite mature about receiving feedback. It took me a long time to figure out that if people made a lot of comments about my work, that meant they cared. And you have that figured out already! xo, Aunt Lisa

Reply
Sydney Campanella link
2/26/2014 12:50:13 am

Thank you so much for editing my novels! Your books have inspired me to keep writing many a time when I get stuck. Thanks again!
Love, Sydney

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