Editing ‘Like Bees to Honey’ was difficult. I ended up going through the novel three times in ten days.
The first edit felt fresh. I’d not looked at ‘Bees’ since January so it was very much a case of pulling up my sleeves and getting on with it all. I read the whole story and made all of the changes that Scott Pack had suggested. That was quite straight forward (and nice), more about words and inserts than making it all ‘fit’.
The second edit was more complicated. I worked through the whole manuscript again and this time I tried to make it all glue together a bit better. This was all about consistency and my being very anal. One chapter was rewritten and read through at least 57684 times (no I am not exaggerating!) and I stamped my feet several times.
And then the final edit was to look at styles and fonts and textual positioning. The visual aspect of my writing is so important to me (and I feel my responsibility) and this edit was about writing separate notes and indicating on the manuscript how I visualised key sections ( to help with the typesetting and design). I also found out (from lovely Corinna at TFP) that the typesetter who designed ‘In Search of Adam’ and ‘Black Boxes’ was going to work with me on this book too. I’m thrilled as she ‘gets’ my writing and what I attempt to do visually.
Added to my deadline was the fact that the 3 kiddies were on half term, we had lots of visitors popping in and out, G had a publisher-deadline for his latest book and I had paid work to do too. And (I am possibly rambling, but…) the thing I’ve discovered about being a mum and a writer is that when my mind has to be stuck in a fictional world I am utterly distracted and a bit rubbish at hearing. I am sure that I agree to a whole host of things without even realising (do you find that too?). But me and the kiddies and G all muddled together and visitors accepted untidiness and all of the deadlines were met. Now, out of it all and covered in (absolute) relief, I honestly think that the edits were an enjoyable challenge.
So, I emailed the finished manuscript to Mr Pack on Tuesday, knowing that he’d have to read through it all again, and yesterday I received a rather nice message saying that the changes were what was needed and that everything had been sent off to the copy editor. Hooray for passing the first stage of production! That makes ‘Bees’ another step closer to becoming an actual book (squeak!).
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Thank you for this post, it’s much needed, especially since I am editing my first book, yet again, it’s nearly ready for the world and your words helped to ease the pain. So thank you!
Twitter: @ZehraMustafaI know what you mean about trying to work around your children/child. I get, “Mummy you’re not really listening are you?” all the time. It is stressful for you and for them and is the downside of working from home. The upside is that you’re at home at all. I am sure my child has her input though. I can’t believe that I haven’t posted one of her drawings or notes, shoved onto my work to get attention, in with one of my book parcels. I just hope customers smile!
Twitter: @juxtabookGreat news, and just in time for the weekend.
Twitter: @DebsCarrzehra mustafa - thanks for your comment and good luck
Juxtabook - oh it’s all too familiar! I recently sent professional feedback to a team of examiners and included several ‘I love you’ notes, in pink writing and with pink hearts all over them!
Working from home has so many positive aspects to it, but sometimes it is difficult to switch off.
Debs - so true, drinks and choc for tomorrow night.
xxxx
Well done chick, after a very long time, I still knew you’d do it! xx
Why oh why oh why oh why is April still so far away??? I’ll have to read fast to get your lovely book in before the baby arrives!
Congrats on getting it all done and fascinating the need for three different types of editing.
I so get the when your in the book and agreeing to things……….
lx
Twitter: @liz_fenwick“when my mind has to be stuck in a fictional world I am utterly distracted and a bit rubbish at hearing.”
I recognise that feeling - and I’m sure my family do too. The other side of it is that it’s often difficult to write when you’re not immersed in the world you’ve created. It’s hard to snatch a few minutes here and there, because it takes time to make that world real again in your mind - and it has to feel real if you want to write well.
) - Particularly when you know they are right. Better get back to it - Hope all goes smoothly for you.
I’m editing the second book based on Agent comments - Don’t you just love it when you realise that a one line comment about one character means changing umpteen chapters and keeping those changes consistent
Lplate Author - thanks hun x
Beth - actually, it’s May… something to read whilst in labour?
Liz - I dread to think of all the things I’ve agreed to…
paul - good luck! That’s great to hear that your agent is supporting you so much. I really and truly hope that it all goes well.
xxx