I’ve been editing texts for a long time, and one thing new writers always ask me, is how I produce such clean text in the first draft.
And my answer is the same every time: 20+ years of practise, dear.
It’s one thing to write a book and quite another to spend hundreds of hours honing the craft of writing.
And I know a lot of new writers prefer to focus on the writing itself, not putting so much time and effort into become a better writer.
It can be because they’re doing it amidst a full life, on the side of a full-time job (sometimes even two), and want to make progress and finish the story.
You can always edit later.
But I find that I can’t move forward unless I’ve expressed my clearly.
This means I edit as I go.
And over the years, editing on the fly has become normal.
It saves time (which is helpful when you’re on tight deadlines) by making sure I get as close to what I want to say on the first try.
It means you can use your writing to think, shaping the clarity and conciseness of your ideas as you think of how to be as efficient in your use of words as possible.
It’ keeps my critical thinking skills sharp, honing them every time I work.
I feel more free to be creative when I can know that the text I’m leaving behind will also be legible to future-me who has to come back and edit it later.
And I’m not gonna lie, producing high-quality, clear text gives me confidence.
In my own ability to put words on the page and convey thoughts, feelings and ideas to others.
So, what I usually tell new writers who ask me how to get better at writing is “learn to revise”.
Revising your work can seem daunting, I know, but it’s an opportunity for your story to truly shine.
I know there’s a hatred for editing in the amateur writer and self-publishing world, but I love editing because it’s where you make your writing go from good (or abysmal) to truly great.
Does it get boring? Hell yeah.
But it’s worth every ounce of pain and boredom, because what comes out of it is a beautiful piece of writing that accurately communicates the story you want to tell.
Things to keep an eye on as you write and revise:
- Embrace the imperfection: Understand that your first draft is just that—a draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it’s meant to be messy. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and explore ideas without judgment.
- Take a break: After finishing your initial draft, take a step back. Let your manuscript breathe. This break will give you a fresh perspective when you return to it for revision. Also take breaks while writing to create some space and context.
- Read as a reader: During your first read-through, resist the urge to edit immediately. Instead, read your story as if you’re a reader encountering it for the first time. Take notes on what engages you and what feels off.
- Big picture first: Start with the big picture elements of your story: plot, character development, pacing, and theme. Ensure that your story arc is coherent and that your characters are well-rounded and relatable. If you have an idea (even just a vague one) of where you’re going, you’ll write more coherently.
- Dialogue and flow: Pay attention to the flow of your dialogue. Does it feel natural? Are there moments where it drags or feels forced? Dialogue should reveal character and advance the plot, not sound robotic and info-dumpy.
- Show, don’t tell: Look for opportunities to show emotions and actions rather than telling them outright. Allow readers to connect with your characters through their experiences, not by telling your readers when they should feel specific emotions. Telling is lazy; “He smiled sadly” vs showing, which is the way to elevate your writing, “He smiled even as his eyes filled with tears”.
- Cut unnecessary parts: Be ruthless with unnecessary scenes, descriptions, or characters that don’t contribute to your story’s progression. Less can often be more. Skip sections and make your reader scramble to figure out what’s going on (but don’t leave them hanging by the end of the book).
- Seek feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your work with trusted beta readers or critique partners. Their insights can offer valuable perspectives and help you identify blind spots. This is invaluable, because catching and shining a light on your blind spots can make or break a story.
- Multiple passes: Know that revision is not a one-time event. Plan to go through your manuscript several times, each pass focusing on different aspects like grammar, style, and consistency. You’re going to read your book more times than anyone else ever will.
- Celebrate progress: Celebrate your achievements along the way. Every revision is a step closer to realizing your vision. Acknowledge your growth as a writer and the improvements you make.
- Patience and perseverance: Remember that writing is a journey, and revision is a significant part of that journey. It may take time, but with each revision, your story will evolve and become stronger.
- Stay true to your voice: While revision is about improving your work, don’t lose your unique voice in the process. Let your individuality as a writer shine through, don’t listen to people who are trying to make you write it as they would, listen to the ones who point out what works and what doesn’t.
Revision is where the magic happens.
It’s where your raw creativity transforms into a polished gem.
Embrace it as an opportunity for growth and refinement.
The dedication you invest in your revisions will be reflected in the quality of your storytelling and your readers will see it.
Keep writing, keep revising, and never lose sight of the passion that brought you to writing your story in the first place.
Your stories are waiting to be told, and with each revision, they come closer to reaching their full potential.
Believe in yourself and your writing journey. You’ve got this!
All the love, all the power ❤️🔥
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