More on Editing Magic for my Paid Subscribers

Here are four steps in the editing process that I’ve learned throughout years of trial and error:

1.       I read through the first draft on the computer.

When I get to the end of my first draft, I do a complete read-through, focusing on organization and flow. I correct obvious repetitions and bad wording.

2.       I print it out and read though a hard copy of my first draft, start to finish, without making any changes.

I print out the manuscript, double spaced, and read it with an editing pencil in my hand. I make notes in the text and in the margins. I circle sections that don't sound right. I mark typos but I don't make any changes until I’ve read it through from beginning to end.