Every manuscript (MS) needs editing, period, full-stop. And
I don't mean the "get the commas and semicolons in the right spot"
editing. This is the editing that looks at the story, the characters, and the thrust
and parry of the interchange between the characters and the story. This
is also where you need to take out all the parts that people don't want to read
anyway (thank you Elmore Leonard). Even the best writer needs to step back and
think about what to leave in and take out of the manuscript. I'm reminded of the
whole cannibal episode in Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man, why it's in there is still a mystery to me.
Here are some helpful ideas while attacking that editing
job.
Compile Your Notes
After assembling input from readers and hopefully your story
editor, organize their comments and observations in order of magnitude from most impactful to least as
regards the story. Use them as a guide as you begin the rewrite. Keep this
reminder posted on the wall next to your computer as you rewrite.
Color Key the Text.
Example: In my latest thriller I have three primary
characters, the protagonist (the good guy), the antagonist (the bad guy), and a
married couple that are fundamentally one character aligned with the good guy.
To understand where these players interact (or how much space they take in the
manuscript) I color key (red, green, blue, etc.) the chapters where they are the dominant player or
players. Then in Word reduce the page view to 10%, the flow of their on-stage
time becomes apparent, this will give you a quick look at where rebalancing may
be needed. There are variations on this regarding scenes and actions, develop
your own story coloring, it can really help.
Vacation
Everyone says that you should take a break from the MS for
at least six weeks; I used to think this was silly. I don't anymore. After this
vacation and armed with the comments
from your readers and editor it is surprising how "new" the story
seems and the flaws obvious. It is also easier to cut out the extraneous. If it
doesn't push the story forward it is a good bet it's not needed.
"Ideas for the
Future" Folder
I have already written one complete thriller from the
inspiration of an excised chapter of an edited manuscript. The removed chapter
was no longer was relevant to the first story but it was a good piece of work and
became the inspiration for a whole new book. I have another removed chapter that begins
a new book just waiting to be written. The adage "never throw anything
away" is very true. Open that folder right now.
Revise Quickly
Jump in and push yourself as fast as possible with the first
major rewrite. At this stage continuity becomes important as well as character
development. Be mindful of what is going on in the story, connections, as well
as shading for future events, and potential traps you are laying for your
readers. If you can't fix it right then make a note in your manuscript notebook and make
the revision later.
Revise Slowly
When you think it's done, it is not. Your last rewrite
should be slow and grinding, question almost everything. Do the coloring of
characters again, is there better balance, do they grow and change? Look to the
text and the language, does it work? Is it gold or dross?
I have heard that some writers spend more time editing then
writing, maybe. I can see that happening. But remember it is extremely hard to
write a good story and perfection is, sadly, impossible. But damn good is all right
in my book.
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