A Quick Word About Editing

Editing has always been my favorite part of the writing process. I love to see my manuscript blossom and grow into something I can be proud of. 

I have developed a system that works well for me. I like to use colored pencils, highlighters and sticky notes. I use long sheets of butcher wrap or hobby paper so I can put my high action scenes in red and my low action scenes in green. If I have a lot more green than red I know my pace is to slow.  

It's very important to put your manuscript away for a few weeks so that you have a good bit of distance from it. I like to re-read the manuscript at that point and look for conflict, character development, passive prose and voice.

I do not like to use a computer in the editing process. I prefer to work on my own with a printed manuscript. I cut and scribble and rearrange all I want without anything between myself and my project.  

I don't worry about grammar, spelling, and formatting until the second to last revision. After everything is done, I then send it to my critique partners for review.  

After I check and double check everything again, I then put the manuscript away for a second time. I let it sit for another week or two before re-reading it again and sending it to my agent.

What methods do you use for revisions?