Editing Your Novel Together
Fixing the Big Problems #3
by E.J. Williams
(Janet Elizabeth Lynn & Will Zeilinger)
Writing together as E. J. Williams, husband and wife, Will Zeilinger and Janet Elizabeth Lynn author the INTER-NATIONAL CRIME FILES, a hardboiled/thriller detective series that takes the reader to 1960s southern California, then on to international locales.
Even after you’ve written the best book in the world, the pesky task of editing rears its ugly head! To those of you who love editing . . . our hats are off to you. We have come up with several suggestions that may help ease the editing process, whether you are editing your book for your editor, publisher, agent, or yourself.
I know, it is heartbreaking to find the big problems because . . . you have to fix them. And it seem daunting. We have discovered two ways to edit a manuscript. The first is what we call a Do Over. After you re-read your notes about changes and scribbles yourself, you open a new document and re-write the manuscript from the beginning, making sure you include your notes and changes. The second is what we call the Road Map. Where you re-arrange chapter, change chapter, etc., following the notes and ideas you noted during your re-read.
We have tried both ways and after 15 novels we found that the Do Over is the best way to get a manuscript to its perfection. Since there are two of us working on the same manuscript, we agree on the changes, break up the chapter and have at it.
Though this mind-numbing task is necessary, it can bring about a great deal of pride when the process is complete. As a couple who write together, we have found these tips work well whether you are working alone or with someone.
And yes…we are still married!
Website: Janet Elizabeth Lynn
Website: Will Zeilinger
The Skylar Drake Mystery Series
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The civil and criminal actions lawsuit that came after the accident, during the filming of Twilight Zone, was the result of negligence.
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Researching for a book takes many forms. When it comes to finding unique characters, I love to people-watch. That activity allows me to discover interesting physical characteristics and mannerisms I can use to flesh out some of the people (and animals) who make up the cast of characters.
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It’s hard to forget the 1950s scandal with Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor, leaving a furious Hedda Hopper, and heartbroken Debbie Reynolds.
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John Callcott Horsley designed the world’s first commercially produced Christmas card for Sir Henry Cole in 1843.
Cole was part of the elite social circle in Victorian England. During the holiday season of 1843, having too many friends caused Cole much anxiety. -
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle published in 1962 by Ariel Books. Genre: Fiction, Science Fantasy
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