The Sad Process of Editing, Part 1

So, I've started editing a manuscript of mine and thought that it would be appropriate to share my thoughts about some things that happen while editing.

1. Done, you've finished word vomiting. Now what? Either: 1, just stop for the day and go watch TV, or 2, start editing.
...it's been two weeks and I've edited a paragraph, grr. Well, maybe you should print it out and start editing, or force yourself to do at least one page, or wait it out until you feel the urge to do it. If you can't get into it after a while, though, consider the idea that it might just not be worth it if you are so unmotivated.

I like to print out my manuscript and use colorful flair pens to make notes with, then once I'm done with a section I put all of the changes into the computer. If they are change conversation, or something like that, changes I choose to make a note and then fix them on the computer.

Any way that you do it, though, is the correct way to edit (unless you are doing it while word vomiting, that is wrong)

2. You're so close to another thousand in your word count, but then you come across a huge section that must be deleted. First, you think 'I can't delete this!' then, 'but I have to', then 'no!', but eventually the editor in you will press backspace. It will hurt, deeply. I just had to delete 1,700 words with one press of the button, just power through it and you will come out on top.

3. If you are that concerned about word count maybe consider that the piece isn't finished yet, but if it is then just think to yourself 'it will be okay. I've actually gained word count while editing and have deleted huge chunks of the story, making it a million times better.

Something that I Learned from the Bunny

When I edit something that I write I give people the first draft, completely unedited not matter how bad I think it is. The reason I do this is not because I enjoy criticism, it is because I might think that something is terrible when another person could love it. I learned this from a bunny that is currently residing in my yard, a lot of people love him while I really hate him.

I also edit my work, but I want other people's thoughts first. For every draft I give people a copy so that they can see it and tell me what they like, which could be different from what I like.