What every life-story writer ought to know about revising and editing
I like gardening, specifically pruning.
Hacking into overgrown trees and shrubs with a pair of loppers is just so satisfying!
However, when these ‘flowery’ limbs are paragraphs in your life-story project it gets a bit more difficult.
Indeed, often we are attached to our writing or are confused about what parts need work or culling.
But just like a wildly overgrown garden, a first draft definitely needs taming.
Therefore, in this ultimate guide I show you how to sit down to edit and come up with a final draft of which you will be proud.
This guide is part three in the ‘ultimate series’, which includes the ultimate guide about planning to write life stories, the ultimate guide of life-story tips for new writers and the ultimate guide to publishing a life story.
Okay, roll up your sleeves and let’s get pruning!
Start to edit
Big-picture edit
Editing life stories can be overwhelming but not if you focus on the essentials. This includes: knowing why you are writing, understanding who you are writing for and keeping stories that hark back to your writing themes.
Related article – Revising and editing: How to take the headache out of editing a life story
More big-picture editing
All writers, including the best of the best, give their work a basic copy edit. Therefore, key editing points to keep in mind are: be concise, precise and remember your audience.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: How to copy edit + CPR for revising and editing
Master edit basics
While a big-picture edit is important also drill down on editing basics. For example, this includes looking closely at: spelling and grammar, tenses, names and facts, numbers and capitals, and picture captions.
Related article – Proofreading tips for revising and editing your writing
Master more edit basics
Finally, keep that detailed-edit momentum going! Make stories sing by: killing cliches, using simple words and opting for short sentences.
Related article – Editing: Don’t try self editing before reading this!
Edit extras
Perfecting dialogue
Pay special attention to dialogue when you edit. Readers love dialogue, whether this is a partial quote or a string of extended quotes.
Related article – Dialogue like a pro: See how easily you can use speech marks and quotes in writing
Add magic with foreign words
Foreign words also need special editing attention. So make foreign words easy to understand and follow by using: a dictionary, italics, parenthesis or single quotes, and a glossary.
Related article – Foreign words: How to clearly write foreign phrases and foreign expressions in 5mins
A last word on themes
An edit is much clearer when you know your project’s themes. Therefore, make sure you grasp: what is theme, why you need them and how to find them in your writing.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: Why is theme important for my autobiography or memoir?
Write titles and headlines
A finished manuscript needs titles and chapter headings. For example, creative title ideas include: telling the story, trying rhymes, playing with words, using a name, a question, a quote or creating intrigue.
Related article – How to write a book title: Catchy headlines and good book titles
Finalise chapters
There are average word counts and chapters for different types of books. However, use your judgement and elements of your book.
Related article – Chapters: 3 questions answered about book chapters
Getting help
Try writing tools
Use technology to fix writing woes. Try an online dictionary, grammar checker, transcribing, book design template or other online life-story resources and services.
Related article – Best online writing tools: Story writing apps and writing programs to try and love
Use artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are endless and can help us record life stories. So to get started: understand what is artificial intelligence, discover AI platforms plus life-story-specific artificial intelligence options.
Related article – AI: Artificial Intelligence tips I’m trying for life stories
Listen to advice and inspiration
When you hear other people’s stories it helps you reflect. Listen to audiobooks and podcasts because they connect you with authors, fit into a busy life, are often free, and help you read more books!
Related article – New podcast! Why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts today … you’ll be happy you did!
Get help from a coach
A coach can guide you to make your writing better. This could mean ensuring: story introductions are engaging, the writer’s voice is clear and copy is easy to read.
Related article – Writing and editing: 3 insider coaching call tips
Use an editor … or two
Editors can help you at each step of your writing journey. The four types of editors are: manuscript editor, comprehensive editor, copy editor and proofreader.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: Your most burning book questions about types of editors
Make use of publishing services
Unsure how to record and celebrate a life story? The Forever Young Autobiographies publishing services can help – from idea to publication.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: What you should know about Forever Young Autobiographies publishing services
Signing off
Know when you’re finished!
Certainly finishing a life-story project is a massive achievement. Knowing a project is finished depends on: editing to an adequate standard, knowing your audience’s expectations and understanding your own tendencies.
Related article – Finish a life story: How to know when your project is finished
Final say: Edit
Editing is a core pillar of good writing and publishing.
Indeed, it’s often underrated and considered dispensable … until it is too late!
Therefore, keep your audience out of the bad-reading woods by: completing a big-picture edit plus a close-up edit, focusing on common editing problems, getting help if needed and knowing when to finish.
So like writing, editing takes effort but it is achievable.
Just remember to sharpen those red pencils – and garden loppers! – before you get started.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Not sure what memories to leave in or cut out during an edit process? Making a chapter outline can clear up a lot of doubts. I show you how in the free Structure Success video training. Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Are you about to edit a life-story project? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
