Writing Ideas - Editing and Proofing

31 July 2013, Writing Ideas - Editing and Proofing

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I just completed my 21th novel, and I'm working on numbers 22 and 23.  I've been putting together novels in the 100K range pretty quickly lately. I can write a novel of this size in about 1 month. This is working from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm a day. Before I move to science fiction writing, I'm going to touch on a couple of stray subjects.  The first is editing and proofing.

Step one is getting the words on the page. As each chapter is finished, I review it and rewrite. I make notes at the bottom of the chapter about the next steps in the plot/story line. This means when the novel is first completed, it has been through a first draft and a full rewrite. I always use spelling and grammar checking in Word, and I note every suggestion--even if I don't take it! (This is true of readers too. If you don't like their suggestion don't take it, or better yet, fix the passage, sentence, paragraph using your own style--never ignore your reader's comments. You are free to ignore computer grammar checker comments--they usually can't handle most dialog etc.)

Step two is a full rewrite. This is the big fix it stage.

Step three is to hand the manuscript to my prepublication readers. I usually have two at this stage. They give me lots of help with punctuation, words, etc. and that is great--what I really want is continuity in plot and theme. I want to know where the work needs tightening and where it doesn't make sense. I usually get these comments/ideas from discussions with my prepub readers.

Step four is incorporating readers' comments and fixes and a total rewrite. I usually have had a while to think about the work and recognize where it might need help. Look especially for missing descriptions and incomplete or illogical incidents or inappropriately foreshadowed events etc.

Every time I go over the work from that point on, I will make changes. Key things to look for are overused words, expressions, trite constructions, spelling, grammar, punctuation, cohesive forms of words (spelling of numbers, etc.).

Step five is getting ready for publication. When the work first comes to me from the publisher as a formatted pdf, I read it quickly hunting for errors and checking the editor's comments. This is the first go through.

Step six is the long lingering review of the first formatted pdf. This is when I send it to my readers. I use three readers for review prior to publication. I know there will be more than one go around, so I send the results of my long review back to the publisher before I hear from my readers.

Step seven is the second formatted pdf review. This is when I incorporate my reader's comments and corrections, and then I complete a "read out loud review." Always accomplish a read out loud review prior to the final. You will be glad you did.

Step eight is to go around again--if necessary.

Step nine is accomplished with the final document. Pull the pdf into Word and let it check for spelling a final time. You can do this by opening it, or by copy and pasting it into Word. This is the last chance. At this point, you probably won't be able to find any more errors.

Step ten: don't read your own books--you'll find errors. I guarantee it. At this point, you probably don't want to ever read the novel again.

For more information, you can visit my author site www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Publication - more Marketeer

15 November 2011, Publication - more Marketeer

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

With the publication of your book, you turn from a writer to a marketeer.  If you have followed my example, you can handle this smoothly because you have all the basic marketing materials ready to go.  You publisher will have other ideas for you.  One of them will likely be the recommendation to start a blog :-D.  Did you notice, I have a blog.  Isn't it a great thing that I like to write?

This is the reason I gave you one of my books (with commentary).  I am genuinely interesting in helping you become a better writer (and helping me become a better writer).  I am also trying to show you how skilled my fiction is and how the process of publishing and writing works (at least from my experience).

I'd do it anyway, but blogging is one of my publisher's recommendations.  For grins, I'll let you know a little about my life.  I work full time as a test pilot and engineer.  I am keeping up three daily blogs, an event driven blog, and a special article area at http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/.  I am writing another novel (number 22) and editing others as time allows.  I'm a busy person.

I'll give you more details on marketing tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Marketeer

14 November 2011, Publication - Marketeer

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

When your book goes to print (either electronic or physical) you turn from an author to a marketer--okay not totally, but this is exactly what happens.  I already wrote about this, but after you write a sellable novel, you become move into the world of marketing.  You market to publishers.  That's the point of all those marketing materials I walked you through before.  Now, you begin marketing to readers.

Your publisher likely has a program already setup to help you with this marketing.  Although your publisher has taken the risk by publishing your work, they only bear part of the responsibility for marketing.  You have to follow their directions and instructions--this may or may not be in your contract.  You need to make it part of your own writing experience. 

Do you remember all those marketing materials I showed you?  You convert them from marketing to publishers to marketing to readers.

I'll give you more details tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript Final Round

12 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript Final Round

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

Eventually, you will get to the final round.  The number of rounds you go through depends on a lot of things.  First, how clean your manuscript is in the first place.  Second, on how well you answer your publishers questions and correct the issues they find in the manuscript.  Third, when you are ready to say the manuscript is ready for final print.  This is really a joint decision.  You basically tell your publisher that you are satisfied with the document and your publisher concedes that they are also satisfied with the document.  That means you are both ready to publish the novel.  You are now in the final round.

As long as you keep sending edits, your publisher will respond with a formatted document.  The final complete document is the one that will go to publishing.  Go to publishing means basically three things today.  For a standard publisher, it means the time to make a print run.  To a publish on demand (POD) publisher, it means the final setup and check out of the novel.  To an electronic publisher, it means to convert and make the novel available electronically.

My publisher is POD and electronic.  Your publisher will tell you when your work goes to the printer.  The next bit of excitement is about to begin.
 
Tomorrow, after the final round.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript Next Round

11 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript Next Round

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

When you send your comments to your publisher on the manuscript, after about a week or two, your publisher will send you a new formatted manuscript.  That manuscript may or may not include embedded questions (it likely will).  My publisher and I went round and round on a question in The Fox's Honor about money a character had in their pocket as opposed to money in credit.  This was a small issue the editor caught, but that took a little while to clarify.  These are exactly the kinds of issues your publisher should catch.  They are small, but their resolution improves your novel.  It keeps the question of reality in the work. 

The main kinds of things that must get caught in editing is these different readings and inconsistencies.  You have likely read something before or written something and had a reader give a completely incorrect understanding of what you wrote.  This happens all the time.  These are hard to catch, but a good editor or prepublication reader will catch them.  You rarely will--everything we write fits in our preconceived notions. 

So, your publisher will send a new formatted manuscript.  You need to look through it and edit it again.  I don't send it to my prepublication readers.  I definitely do a reading out loud of the document.  I answer the questions and fix the problems I find.
 
Tomorrow, after the second round.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript even more in depth editing

10 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript even more in depth editing

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

Prepublication readers will save you.  If you don't already, you need to get some prepublication readers.  It is best to recruit people who are not enamoured with your writing.  You don't need an echo chamber.  For real editing, you need people who will tell you the truth and not blow smoke.  People like that are difficult to find.  You need to bribe them with copy--that is promise them a copy of your book and mention them in thanks in the book.  I already went over where to put those kinds of acknowledgements.

The moment you get your manuscript from you publisher, email it to your prepublication readers and give them about two weeks to get back with their comments.  You need to tell them the best way to give their comments to you.

Once you get your prepublication readers' comments back, address every single one of them.  Don't ever ignore any comment from a prepublication reader.  Even if you don't agree with a comment, you must address it.  What I mean is this.  If one of your readers indicates that they don't understand something, rewrite the scene, sentence, or paragraph to make it more understandable.  If a reader indicates that they don't agree with the action of a character--make the reasons clearer.  Show don't tell.  For example, on The Fox's Honor one of my readers said she didn't buy the Lady Tamar falling in love with Devon Rathenberg as quickly as she did.  I rewrote the novel to make her interest in Devon Rathenberg happen a little more slowly.  This was a wonderful comment and didn't require a huge rewrite. 

There is another important point about prepublication readers.  Prior to having your works accepted by a publisher, these kinds of readers will help grow your writing.  As I've written before, your prepublication readers can show you what to improve--as long as you listen to them.
 
Tomorrow, after the first round.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript more in depth editing

9 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript more in depth editing

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

You have the formatted manuscript in hand from your publisher and now you are going to make the in-depth editing as the final step to publication.

The first point is you know you have a good if not great novel.  You know this because someone is actually willing to take a risk on the publication of your novel.  If it wasn't good, no one would have taken a chance on publishing it.  Good, that's out of the way.

Second, it needs work.  Your publisher wouldn't send it back to you (except for a final check) if there weren't editorial questions.

Third, all novels can be improved.  There isn't a novel around that could not use a better turn of phrase, better description, clearer writing, etc.  You can't fix every problem in you novel, and after the novel is released in print, you will no longer have an opportunity to tweek it.

Fourth, there is every reason to keep changes to a minimum.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  On the other hand, you want it to be the best you can.  If you are making the writing less wordy, less long, and less confusing, then you are allowed to make all the changes you wish.  If you are adding clarity without revealing too much--go ahead.  If it sounds better, then make the change.  Just keep the changes to a minimum.

In editing A Season of Honor, I was on a roll from The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor.  The novels are a series that are stand alone works, but editing one after the other allowed me to tune the connections between the novels.  My publisher is very good about edits, so there wasn't any problems, but I did have a few changes.  I tried to keep them to a minimum. 

Your prepublication readers are a chief source of help for editing.
 
Tomorrow, more editing in depth.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript in depth editing

8 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript in depth editing

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

I'll just make a slight sideline today because I think this is important.  When I read about new novels especially new indie novels, I like to take a look at them--just to see, professional courtesy, if you like.  I'm no longer an indie author, but I want to encourage the indie marketplace--such is the place authors grow.

The author described their book as a bargain at 360,000 words.  I was intrigued because 360,000 words is enough words for 3 normal novels.  My first thought was, they would have to be a great writer to keep a novel going for that many words.  So, I jumped to the Amazon site to see if there was an example of the writing.  I'll be as kind as possible--such a novel would not hold anyone's interest for 100,000 words much less 360,000 words.  It is 310,000 words too long. 

There is a strong reason this novel is not going to ever attract a regular publisher.  The novel begins with a long pedantic prologue.  It tells you everything that went on in history from the 20th century until the beginning of the novel--boring.  Dump the prologue.  If you are going to have any prologue--short sweet, to the point, witty, and breezy.  Otherwise, no prologue.

Second, the beginning had no action.  It was a long description of a place and a person with some conversation thrown in.  For goodness sakes, if I'm going to invest hours to read a 360,000 word novel, it better move quickly and be full of action and excitement.  Whose going to put in the effort, even if the novel is free, to read 360,000 unexciting words.

I didn't read any further--I checked my check and now made my point.  The good thing is that this kind of writing will not attract any publisher.  The bad thing is that this author, by producing this work has no idea why their novel is unsellable.  You won't be at this stage when editing your about to be published novel.  I just wanted to point out, while it was fresh on my mind, why some novels are unsellable.  It all goes back to what I wrote before.
 
Tomorrow, more editing in depth.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Manuscript editing

7 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript editing

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

When you are editing the final manuscript from your publisher, your editing at this level needs to be focused on the plot, theme, and story.  When doesn't it?  The grammar, spelling, and structure in English should be very good.  Your point is readability.  That's why I read it out loud.  If something sounds strange or the reading isn't smooth, you need to correct it.  You can make this kind of edit at any time, but this is the key time to make certain of this characteristic of readability of your novel.

I've read many novels and manuscripts that are not very readable.  You can tell right at the beginning.  Remember how I harped on the quality of the beginning.  It is really too late to fix that (the fact a publisher will take a risk on your novel ensures to a degree you have discovered this truth).  It is not too late to make certain the words you use drag in your readers and that the words don't kick your readers out of their suspension of reality.  There are other ways to say this.  I'll try to be clear.  When you read a novel, you expect to be immersed in the world of the novel.  As a reader and as a writer, you don't want anything to kick the reader out of this suspension of reality.  That's why readability is critical.  This is why all those irritating ways of writing (too many adverbs, to use of weak verbs, too many adjectives, present participle constructions, misuse of words, repetition of words)--all of these need to be taken care of and this is your last chance.

Note especially, that most readers today will have an opportunity to read the first chapter of your work before they purchase your novel.  The whole novel should be well constructed along these principles, but you must make the first chapter sing.  Your prepublication readers are one means to ensure the strength of your writing.
 
Tomorrow, more editing in depth.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - even more Manuscript

6 November 2011, Publication - even more Manuscript

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

The prepared manuscript is in front of you.  It looks beautiful, just like a published book.  Embedded in it are all kinds of questions and corrections.  Now, you have to edit it for publication.

The first thing I do (after looking through the manuscript to see generally the publisher's questions), is I fire it off to my prepublication readers.  I have about four readers I can trust.  I give them two weeks to get back to me with comments.  While my readers and going over the manuscript, I begin the first edit. 

On the first edit, I usually make a run through of the work to see exactly what the publisher wants to have fixed.  I don't worry about their edits.  On this run through, I'll make corrections that I note.  The second run through is more in depth.  I send it back to the publisher at this point. 

By the time my publisher gets back with the manuscript, my prepub readers have finished their reviews.  This is when I insert their corrections and I make an edit where I read the manuscript out loud.  This is my final run through.  When I am done.  I send these corrections to the publisher.

When I get the last (hopefully) manuscript, I make one last spelling check of the entire novel.  You cut the entire pdf into word or you can also try to open it in word (some versions might do it).  If I don't find any spelling errors or grammar errors, I give the publisher the go ahead to publish.
 
Tomorrow, editing in depth.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - more Manuscript

5 November 2011, Publication - more Manuscript

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

You get the prepared manuscript from your publisher.  It usually comes to you as a pdf.  Your publisher will usually not give you an editable file.  This is purposeful.  Once the manuscript is prepared in this fashion, your publisher wants to reduce the changes.  The way they reduce changes is by making those changes difficult for you.  By this time, the manuscript should be near publication ready--so you shouldn't need to make too many changes.  You need to have a method of communicating any changes to the manuscript with your publisher. 

I suggest that you use a word processor to cut and paste from the pdf.  Use bold to indicate changes and <> for notes and comments.  You can make extensive changes and comments this way.  You will definitely need to make notes and comments--your publisher will have many changes and questions for you in the manuscript.  Until you answer your publisher's questions your manuscript won't get published.
 
Tomorrow, more editing.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Editing and Proofing

I just completed my 20th novel, and I've been putting together novels in the 100K range pretty quickly lately. I can write a novel of this size in about 1 month. This is working from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm a day.

Step one is getting the words on the page. As each chapter is finished, I review it and rewrite. I make notes at the bottom of the chapter about the next steps in the plot/story line. This means when the novel is first completed, it has been through a first draft and a full rewrite. I always use spelling and grammar checking in Word, and I note every suggestion--even if I don't take it! (This is true of readers too. If you don't like their suggestion don't take it, or better yet, fix the passage, sentence, paragraph using your own style--never ignore your reader's comments. You are free to ignore computer grammar checker comments--they usually can't handle most dialog etc.)

Step two is a full rewrite. This is the big fix it stage.

Step three is to hand the manuscript to my readers. I usually have two at this stage. They give me lots of help with punctuation, words, etc. and that is great--what I really want is continuity in plot and theme. I want to know where the work needs tightening and where it doesn't make sense. I usually get these comments/ideas from discussions with my readers.

Step four is incorporating readers' comments and fixes and a total rewrite. I usually have had a while to think about the work and recognize where it might need help. Look especially for missing descriptions and incomplete or illogical incidents or inappropriately foreshadowed events etc.

Every time I go over the work from that point on, I will make changes. Key things to look for are overused words, expressions, trite constructions, spelling, grammar, punctuation, cohesive forms of words (spelling of numbers, etc.).

Step five is getting ready for publication. When the work first comes to me as a formatted pdf, I read it quickly hunting for errors and checking the editor's comments. This is the first go through.

Step six is the long lingering review of the first formatted pdf. This is when I send it to my readers. I use three readers for review prior to publication. I know there will be more than one go around, so I send the results of my long review back to the publisher before I hear from my readers.

Step seven is the second formatted pdf review. This is when I incorporate my reader's comments and corrections, and then I complete a "read out loud review." Always accomplish a read out loud review prior to the final. You will be glad you did.

Step eight is to go around again--if necessary.

Step nine is accomplished with the final document. Pull the pdf into Word and let it check for spelling a final time. You can do this by opening it, or by copy and pasting it into Word. This is the last chance. At this point, you probably won't be able to find any more errors.

Step ten: don't read your own books--you'll find errors. I guarantee it. At this point, you probably don't want to ever read the novel again.

Excitement in Scenes, How I Start part 9

I wrote before, a scene must center around some event that is exciting.  Excitement is how you entertain and hold your reader's attention.  To build a scene that is exciting, you must imagine your characters involved in some event that drives the storyline, plot, and theme.  The scenes cannot be out of place to the storyline, plot, or theme, and they must fit your characters.  No scene, event within a scene, or piece of a scene can be extraneous or out of place.  Each bit, piece, and description must further the novel.  If, when you edit your writing, you find any piece that you can remove that will not affect the storyline, plot, or theme, then remove it.  This is something that is always interesting to me.  Many writers tell me when they edit, their writing length decreases.  Whenever I edit, the length of my manuscripts increase.  I always discover places I can improve and explain better.  I find places where I didn't provide sufficient description.  I rarely find scenes or events that are extraneous.  The reason for this is that I outline in scenes, and I center each scene in an event that propels the storyline. 

The main question is, how do you invent or develop exciting events?  Much of that is a writer's experience.  Just as writing well comes from much writing, event or idea development comes from both writing and life experience.  I would add that reading can provide many ideas for exciting events.  Let me show you the outline of scenes for the first chapter of Dana-ana www.GoddessNovel.com:
1.  Dana gets beat up: input, stealing lunches; output, she's knocked out.  You should be able to see the explicit excitement and action in this scene.  The pathetic character of Dana will not fight back (we find later that she can't fight back).
2.  Dana in the infirmary: input, Dana knocked out; output, Byron escorts her home.  Here the specific pieces driving the scene are Byron carrying her to the infirmary, the confrontation with the school nurse (we find out more about Dana; Dana broke into the infirmary safe before), Dana gains and loses consciousness a couple of times, Dana tries to get out of the infirmary on her own, Byron has to help her, she doesn't want his help...
3.  Dana's tarpaper house: input, Byron escorts her home; output, Byron goes home.  The action here is the walk to her house (lots of description), seeing the tarpaper house, describing the tarpaper house, realization that Dana has nothing, Dana washes Byron's feet to welcome him to her house (okay, here is where the storyline, plot, and theme really kick off.  If you didn't think Dana was odd to begin with, the moment she welcomes Byron to her house by washing his feet, your alarm bells should be going off.  She is obviously showing an action that is outside of a modern norm--yet this fits in the perspective of the novel and the action), Dana is hungry, Byron shares his lunch with her, Dana won't eat the food unless it is gifted to her in her real name (another cultural indicator), Byron discovers her heal name, she eats the food he gives her, Byron goes back to school.
Three scenes, three exciting events to develop one chapter.  That isn't too hard.  In this context the scenes flow one from the other.  You can read the entire chapter at www.GoddessNovel.com.  You can also see other examples of my writing at www.ldalford.com or read my books.

Watch words

Now I'm really giving away my writing secrets. You can see more writing secrets at www.ldalford.com. I use this list to refine my writing. I do a search for these words and constructions and get rid of those that don't make sense. Most of the time none of these make sense. To the maximum extent possible get rid of the words that define these weak constructions. I will give some specific examples below.

-ing
had
-ly
were
was
gotten
even
said
got
utilize

-ing
Replace weak present participle constructions like:
He was walking.
(with strong past tense verb constructions like)
He walked.

had
Stay in the past tense. Movement into the perfect tense makes tedious reading. If you must introduce an idea in the past shift to the perfect tense for only a couple of sentences to introduce time sequence, then transition back to the past tense. Otherwise the use of the word "had" can be easily replaced with much stronger and direct verbs.
He had a cat.
(can be changed to)
He owned a cat.
He possessed a cat.
He loved his cat.


-ly
Don't tell us how someone feels especially by adding adverbial descriptions of speech. Instead show us how they feel.
"I don't like cats," he said disgustedly. (not good)
"I don't like cats," he said with disgust. (a little better)
"I don't like cats," he gagged. (very good)

were
was
Same problem as had. There are always stronger verbs that are more descriptive. Plus, was and were are used to move into the subjunctive case. The use of was is reasonable for identity statements, but these should be reduced as much as possible. For example,
She was a teacher. (Okay)
She taught children. (Better)

gotten
got
Gotten is rotten. Got is rot. Just don't use them. You can find so many other ways of saying the same thing without using these words. Instead of got, in almost every case, you can use received.

even
Even is okay if you are using it to describe a level area or idea, it is usually redundant as in:
Even the cats didn't like it. (bad)
The cats didn't like it. (better)
Everyone including the cats didn't like it. (exactly the same statement, still redundant, more specific)

said
Said is dead. Don't use said to tell us what a person is saying.
"I like you," she said. (bad)
"I like you," she gushed. (better)
"I like you," she kissed his lips. (best)


utilize
Just don't do it. Utilize means the same as use. It is a redundant word without any purpose. Always use a smaller shorter word when it will do. That is unless you want your character to sound pretentious and overinflated.

And that's part of the point. In conversation, these words may be used to convey a specific idea about the character. The use in the narrative and descriptive construction of the text is not a good idea.

Don't miss my guest blog on http://www.lynnettebonner.blogspot.com/ about Centurion on 16 August. www.CenturionNovel.com