When I started this process a year and a half ago, I had no idea what it would be like. Now I know. It's a WHOLE lot of work.
I'm buried in the editing process of my first book right now, barely coming up for air much less anything else. I sat for one five hour stretch today, without even getting up, and had no idea what time it was even though I was looking at my computer screen the whole time. It takes that much concentration to stay focused.
A professional editor has gone through my whole manuscript and made corrections, suggestions and comments. Now I'm going through each of them, one by one (on average I'd say there are 20-30 per page) and making all the changes, which sometimes are huge ones (rewriting sections to make it more clear).
If you've never done this before, like me, you may wonder what is so all-consuming about it.
It's not just the technical aspect of editing that's hard (looking at grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, etc) but it's narrowing down the writing to what is absolutely essential to telling your story or point. That part is hard and emotional. But as she says, "Never use two words if one will do."
A few things I'm thankful to my editor for:
- Keeping me 'on point'
- Being honest in feedback
- Giving me kind praise and constructive criticism
- Helping me tell my story in a clearer, more concise way
I'm praying as I work on these edits, that in the end my book will be an encouragement and inspiration, and something that brings glory to God!
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