Editing a Self-Published Book: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Writing a book is a massive endeavor, but as any seasoned author will tell you, the real work begins after you've penned that last sentence.
The editing process is critical for self-published authors who don't have the luxury of a traditional publishing house's team of editors.
In this guide, we'll delve into the crucial steps of editing your self-published masterpiece.
Step 1: Finish the First Draft
Importance of Completion
It's tempting to start editing while you're still writing, but resist the urge. Finishing the first draft gives you a complete structure to work with, making it easier to identify plot holes, inconsistencies, and pacing issues.
Key Takeaway: Don't edit as you go; focus on getting your ideas down on paper first.
Step 2: Create a List of "Things to Track" as You Edit
Categorizing Your Elements
Before diving into edits, make a list of elements you need to track throughout your book. These could include:
Magic Systems: Keep track of the rules, limitations, and quirks of your magical systems to ensure consistency.
Mystery Plots: Whether it's the prophecy foretelling the downfall of an evil emperor or the key to a magical artifact, keep clues and resolutions clear in your mind.
Character Changes: Keep track of character arcs, especially if your world has elements like shape-shifting or time-travel that can affect a character's development.
Races and Cultures: If your world is filled with elves, dwarves, or other mythical races, keeping track ensures their cultures and characteristics remain consistent.
Benefits of Tracking
This list will serve as your roadmap during the editing process, helping you maintain continuity and cohesion in your story. The last thing you want is a reader pointing out that your character was allergic to strawberries in Chapter 3 but ate a strawberry cake in Chapter 20.
Step 3: Key Elements to Focus On
Inconsistencies
Be your own detective. In a fantasy setting, this might mean making sure that the spell that required a full moon in the first half of your book isn't suddenly being cast in broad daylight later on.
Pacing
Are some sections too slow? Others too fast? Pacing can make or break reader engagement. In worldbuilding-heavy stories, it's easy to get lost in the details and slow down the pacing. Make sure your lore enhances the story instead of pausing it.
Balance
Balance dialogue, action, and exposition. Too much of one can throw off the harmony of your narrative. In a fantasy setting, it's tempting to delve deep into the history of your world, but remember to surface for air and keep the story moving.
Step 4: Take a Break
When to Step Back
If you're hitting a wall, step away from your manuscript. Work on a different project, or simply take a break from writing altogether.
The Benefits of Distance
Giving yourself distance from your work can offer you a new perspective, making it easier to spot issues you might have missed in your close-up view.
Conclusion
Editing a self-published book is a challenging but rewarding process. It takes discipline, attention to detail, and a lot of patience. However, the satisfaction of holding a well-crafted book that you edited yourself is an unparalleled joy in the writing journey.
Additional Resources
If you found this guide helpful and want to delve deeper, check out my Resource Page for more writing tips tailored to both general and genre-specific needs. I also recommend reading my blog posts on writing, which can offer more insights into how to bring your fictional world to life.
Thanks for reading, and happy editing!