Editing a novel is hard work. Scratch that—it’s a slog.
As I dive into the editing process for my middle-grade novel, I’m reminded why it’s my least favourite part of writing. Sure, some writers love this phase. For them, editing is where the magic happens, where their stories begin to truly shine. But for me? The joy of writing lies in the wild, uncharted territory of the first draft.
The raw draft is pure adventure. It’s messy, chaotic, and alive with possibility. I get to build worlds, dream up backstories for my villains, and craft plot twists that make my book-loving heart race. But when the fever of drafting fades, and the time comes to hone, prune, and make hard decisions, my creative brain wants to check out completely. Enter: ‘editing brain’.
The Tug-of-War Between Creativity and Logic
Editing brain is the logical, bossy, cut-the-bull part of me. It’s the same part I use to get through my day job, manage my kids’ homework, and file my taxes. But my creative brain resents its intrusion. The two sides of my brain wage war: the artist goes on strike, and the editor stomps off, frustrated that nothing is getting done quickly or perfectly enough.
Every time I start editing, it’s like I’ve forgotten how. So, this time, I’ve mapped out a plan—a step-by-step guide to keep myself on track and maybe help you tackle your own editing woes.
My 7-Step Editing Process
Step 1: Listen to Your Novel
Upload your manuscript to a text-to-speech app. (I use Speechify with the narrator voice of a gruff old Englishman—it’s like listening to someone else’s story!) As you listen, make mental notes or jot down observations in your phone’s notes app. Be sure to highlight both the good stuff (“beautiful description in chapter 1”) and the bad stuff (“middle section drags”).
Step 2: Make a Pros and Cons List
After listening, sit down with your notes. Divide a piece of paper into two columns: a ‘+’ for what’s working and a ‘-‘for what’s not. Be brutally honest. If the middle is boring, the ending makes no sense, or your dialogue needs work, write it down. This honesty will give you a roadmap for what to fix.
Step 3: Create a Plan
Tackle big issues first—plot, character arcs, pacing, and tone. These are your structural problems. Resist the temptation to start over from scratch. Instead, commit to refining what’s already there. Align your edits with what’s working from your ‘+’ list while cutting or streamlining what’s not.
Step 4: Rewrite Your Synopsis
Based on your revised plan, rewrite your synopsis. Cut scenes that don’t advance the plot, clash with the tone, or slow the pacing. World-building details that don’t serve the story? Save them for your world-building bible.
Step 5: Make a Writing Schedule
Create a list of scenes or chapters that need major rewrites. Give yourself a deadline—two to four months is a good target. A longer timeline risks losing momentum or being tempted to start a new project.
Step 6: Rinse and Repeat
Once your rewrites are done, go back to Step 1. Listen to your revised novel, take notes, and repeat the process as needed. Each pass should get easier and faster as you refine your manuscript.
Step 7: Polish, Polish, Polish
When structural edits are complete, shift focus to line edits. Obsess over word choice, prune redundant phrases, and refine dialogue until it flows effortlessly. Use tools like Grammarly for grammar and punctuation, but trust your instincts—overediting can make prose sound stilted. Finally, share your manuscript with a trusted reader for feedback.
Trust the Process—and Yourself
Editing is hard because it requires letting go—of scenes, characters, and ideas that no longer serve the story. It’s about committing to a vision and making the hard choices to align your novel with that vision. But it’s also deeply rewarding. With each revision, your story becomes sharper, clearer, and closer to the masterpiece it’s meant to be.
Ultimately, you’re writing for the reader in you. If you’re proud of your novel and it brings you joy, chances are it will resonate with readers who share your tastes. Keep going, one step at a time, and trust the process. You’ve got this!
I made a little video summing all this up to motivate myself to get through the edits, hope it can inspire you too!