I’m in that place.  I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.  That place where the finish line is so close and yet so far.  The hard part is over, but the part that’s left isn’t exactly easy.  The last few steps in a marathon.

For me “that place” is editing a manuscript.  To be precise, the next manuscript I’d like to have turned into a book.  I originally wrote it at the end of 2008 and since then have rewritten, edited, edited some more, had other people edit, and so on and so on.  It has not been a constant project, indeed there have been many times I wasn’t particularly set on using it as my next one and put down entirely.  But then last year on a whim I entered it into the ACFW’s Genesis contest and lo and behold it came out a semi-finalist.

So…I took the comments the judges gave me on how to improve it more and I edited again.

And now here I am.  The whole thing has been correctly formatted (tedious) and about half of the chapters have been officially edited.  Of course that means that another whole half of the manuscript needs the final edits plugged in.  Did I mention this manuscript is over 108,000 words?

So, yes, I can see the finish line of this marathon, but I’m not sprinting like I was in the beginning.  It’s more like I’m dragging my limbs along the ground as my eyes blur from exhaustion.  But you know what?  I will make it to that finish line.  I will make it to the last page, cover all the little notes and corrections I made in blue ink, click save and cross that line…which in this case is submitting my humble stack of papers to agents.

And that will be an entirely new place for me, but at least it will be a new place. ;)

What is your place right now?

You’re a friend, family member, or critique partner of a writer and he or she has handed you their manuscript, their baby, with pleading eyes.  Are you feeling honored right now, or has panic set in?  I’ve been on both sides of this moment, so I know how it feels and I’ve also learned what works and what doesn’t.

So, for the sake of both writer and impromptu editor alike, I thought I might put up a short list of hints that will make you into the best editor you can be.  You know, the kind that will get your name mentioned in the credits when the book is published someday. ;)

-Pens and Handwriting.
Your edits are more likely to be helpful if they are readable.  So, always use a colored pen when making notes and make sure they are legible.  If you’re editing through a computer, take advantage of Microsoft’s “track edits” features or write your notes in a colored font.

-Typos.
There will be typos.  TONS of typos.  Don’t be surprised or act surprised by the title-wave of little errors that catch your eye.  Just start circling!

-Be Specific.
This is the most important part of the job.  Look for all specific things that don’t make sense.  Is there a character whose presence doesn’t make sense because there isn’t enough back story?  Is there a scene you like, but it’s too short.  Is there a scene that feels too long?  Is there enough description of a scene or character?  Is there too much description?  Is there a particular sentence that is poorly worded?  Are facts about the location wrong?  Does the point of view make sense? Focusing on specific points, even sentence by sentence, really makes a difference for the overall story.

-Positive vs. Negative.
If you are doing a serious edit, you are going to have to make some negative comments, but don’t underestimate the power of positive comments as well.  Pointing out a paragraph you think is written well helps the writer understand why the one you didn’t like is wrong.

-Be Timely.
No author should expect you to read their story in a week, but you also shouldn’t hold on to it for months on end.  They are often waiting for you to finish your edit before they go on to the next step.  If something comes up that keeps you from finishing for a little while, let the writer know.  They’ll understand.

Just a few “Don’ts.”
-Don’t be vague.  Speculative comments that refer to an overall concept or to the book in entirety are rarely helpful and usually ending up being thrown out.
-Don’t be mean. Comments like, “This paragraph is stupid,” are not helpful. ;)
-Don’t just say, “It was great,” and nothing else.  That can sometimes be as discouraging as saying, “I didn’t like it.”
-DON’T WORRY!  We really appreciate your help!  And if there is an author out there who is upset by your comments and tries to fight with you, don’t take it personally.  It’s not your fault.  They just aren’t really ready to be edited yet.
…Have I mentioned that we appreciate you? ;)

*Note: I am currently not accepting manuscripts or books to review.  I’d be one of those annoying people
who took a year to get back to you. *