I like to take my draft and put it away for at least a week. I read my draft as if I were someone else, not as I wrote it. This way I am able to read it with more objectivity. Here are the steps that I follow:
1) Read it from the beginning. This helps you get into the flow of the writing thought. It allows you to revise what you have written so far. I like to use the “track changes” feature on my computer. If you are not using a computer, you can create multiple drafts. This way if you decide to delete something, you still have your deleted material in the event you want to put it back into the story.
2) I like to print out a hard copy from my computer. This helps much more than just trying to read my draft from the computer. It allows me to get a full picture of the entire story.
3) Get feedback from others. Utilize your critique group. The response that you receive from other readers can be very helpful during your writing process. But, remember that you are the writer, and you choose to decide which advice to listen to.
4) Fine tuning of your draft is in the editing process. Check for spelling and grammar, don’t rely just on spell checker and grammar checkers.
5) The most effective time to edit is when you have finished revising. This way you are fine tuning the sentences that are in your final draft, and not wasting that time on multiple drafts. Get the story down first.
6) Lastly, proofread, proofread and proofread. This is the final step in the editing process. This is where you get to check for missing words, misspellings and formatting.
7) Are you ready to submit? What are you waiting for?
9 comments:
Nice list. It took me a while to figure out #5.
Thanks for the visit and the follow. Back at ya! :)
Dawn - you should see me with the edits!! It takes ME a while to figure that out. :) Thanks for stopping by.
I love number 7. I just am not always sure if I'm there yet.
Andrea - Good luck! If you are not there, now. I hope it will be soon. I will love hearing about your progress. - Maeve
Proofreading is VERY important.
Thanks so much for hopping by my blog!
I hope you were able to get the free magazine subscription. I last checked availability around 7:30 and it was working. Checked now at 9:00 a.m. and it was gone. Updated the post!
Oh... Almost forgot...I'm a new follower!
Have a great week!
nancy
I waited to long to do the free magazine. Don't worry your blog has so many fun things, I'll be back often!
Hi Maeve,
I am a beginning children's book writer too and was happy to see your site. Do you know where I could find out about picture book writers' critique groups in the Westchester County (NY) area?
Thanks for your help.
R. Montana
Hi R. Montana - I didn't have a way to contact you so, I will respond here in the event that you check back. Are you a member of SCBWI? If so you can go on their website and check out if there are any critique groups in your area. Also, your local library or a library near your town my have a critique group that meets there. Local bookstores also host critique groups. These are the places where I have found critique groups (some of which are for children's books). I am in Massachusetts so, I am not familiar with your area. Good luck with your search. If you have a blog I'd love to stop by, if you could let me know the name. Thank you for Stopping by. - Maeve
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