Rewriting and Editing

Cutting 100K words to get the manuscript over the line: an interview with Kyra Geddes

Rewriting and editing, The writing life

'It was EXTREMELY difficult for me to take in the suggested cuts and edits. At times I wasn't sure I could sustain the mental or physical energy needed to see it through...

Copyediting or structural editing? What do I need?

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

What are the different types of editing, and when do you need them?

The Value of a Mentor

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, Writing tips

A writing mentor can help you understand your work and your practice in new ways, and help you navigate the often tricky emotional terrain of writing a book.

Are You Paying Attention?

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done, Writing tips

One of the keys to success for a writer is an ability to pay attention to the macro as well as the micro, to the mundane as well as the sublime.

Story Design

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Theme. Plotlines. Characters. Backstory. Point of view. The artistry in developing work for publication lies in understanding how these elements work together to create your story design.

Vital Organs Part 3: The Central Event

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

The central event is the one event the book cannot do without; it is central to and creates the story. Without it, the book collapses like a house of cards.

Vital Organs Part 2: The Major Dramatic Question

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

To develop your work and create a strong story structure, it is crucial to understand the major dramatic question that lies at the heart of your story.

Vital Organs Part 1: Story Essence

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Where does the real story lie? What is the essence of your tale? What are you really trying to say? What is it about?

Endings

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

When you are crafting your ending, think about whether you have said what you wanted to say. Are there any loose ends? Are there story questions posed that aren’t answered?

Listening to the written word

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Listening to the written word helps us understand the effects we create through word choices. Read your own work aloud. Edit with your ears. You'll ‘hear’ things that you may not ‘see’ on the page.

The function and roles of subplots are important principles to understand, but there is no golden rule. That’s what makes the creative endeavour of writing fiction so alluring and at the same time so terrifying.

The Messy First Draft

Rewriting and editing, The writing life

It may be shambolic, confused, all over the place. It may be a train wreck. That's okay. It’s just the first draft. And first drafts are messy.

Writing a synopsis

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

Writers often moan and groan about writing a synopsis. But there's no escape; you're going to have to do it.

What Emojis Tell Us About Writing Good Dialogue

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Recently I’ve been prompted to consider why a fat, pink heart may say more to us than the word ‘love’ or ‘xx’, and what this tells us about writing good dialogue.

Behind the Successful Debut Book

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done

The 'overnight' success of debut books is usually built on a development process spanning many, many years.

Understanding Story Structure: Spinal care for writers

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Structural issues are common in both fiction and narrative non-fiction book-length works. Understanding story structure is key.

Critical Reading for Writers

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, Writing tips

Critical reading is an important skill for writers to develop. Don't underestimate the value of reading the works of others.

‘You owe it to your work’: The Structural Editing Process

Rewriting and editing

‘Editing is part of the creative process; don’t see it as separate from the writing process – you owe it to your work to deepen it.’

Revising your manuscript

Rewriting and editing

Successful writers understand that writing is mostly about rewriting. You can't avoid revising your manuscript.

What does an editor do?

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

How does an editor help a writer with their manuscript? What do they do?

Trimming and Tightening Text

Rewriting and editing

Trimming and tightening text is a little like pruning in the garden to increase the quality of flowering and fruiting, to remove deadwood, and to improve the overall structure and shape.

From the Reading Chair