Here is what comes next before I even consider sending it to an editor.
Draft 1
Complete manuscript. (Yah finished on
the 20th in Na No) :)50.000 words plus I had 30.000 words already
written. I now work on the bones of the story, the plot, the characters, and strength
of the storyline and romance, which are vital for a manuscript.
Draft 2
I cut adverbs(but I find I hardly use them) and I cut sentences, which serve no purpose at
all, sentences that do not move the story forward. I also hack at any tags, not
that I use them too often but sometimes they creep into my work without
realising. Next, it's repeats. I'm a terror for repeating myself. I wonder if
this is because I have to repeat, repeat and repeat to my husband. Lol Also
words I have used that I have repeated
too close together. When I cut
sentences or scenes, I add paragraphs with real meaning, paragraphs that will
move the story forward. I make sure
there are no unwanted full stops, missing question marks, anything to do with punctuation.
Draft 3
This is where I make sure all questions have been answered,
everything is tied up and it makes sense. I also check time lines, dates, and
make sure I haven't got three years instead of seven. I make sure the hero and
heroines motivation and goals are clear and strong. I add more scenes if
necessary. I also make sure it isn't lacking description or over done with
description.
Draft 4
This is where I read the entire manuscript over with a critical eye
pretending to be an editor. I am objective and critical of my work. If a paragraph
doesn't sound right or it doesn't flow, I change it around, make sure it flows. It may
have good emotion, suspense, but perhaps it's not strong enough so I improve
it. I ask myself, where, what, when, and why. I ask the questions in every
scene, every chapter to make it flow as best as I can. I also ask the question
have I made use of the five senses where possible? Taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound.
Draft 5
I let it sit. It maybe for six weeks, it depends on what else I have going on around me. Then I start at the beginning and read it through as a reader and an editor. Is this the type of novel I would love to read? Would it drag a reader in and keep her there? Have I started in the right place with an action scene?
I let it sit. It maybe for six weeks, it depends on what else I have going on around me. Then I start at the beginning and read it through as a reader and an editor. Is this the type of novel I would love to read? Would it drag a reader in and keep her there? Have I started in the right place with an action scene?
END. I may not do this in this entire order, but you should
get the gist of my how to. Most times I am still not satisfied, so I go over it
again, or I think of something that I hadn't added or taken away. I read the manuscript at least three times to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Now it's time for my critique partners to rip it apart. Lol..
It comes back I either change something or I believe it is required and it stays. Then
perhaps now it is ready for the eyes of an editor.
