Content Editing a First Draft

There is no right or wrong way to edit. Everyone has their own methods. Some people can edit several elements at one time, others work on each method alone. Learning how to content edit is the first step to developing an editing method that works. There are no rules to editing, the only thing that matters is the final outcome.

The following are some basic editing techniques that will help writers come up with their own style. There is only one thing I need to warn new writers. Too often, a new writer develops an editing method based on what they find easiest. The results of this mindset can be devastating, leaving manuscripts with structure, plot, theme, character, and word problems - even typos.

Structure and Organization

The first step is to write out a plot or thesis. This should not involve any situations in the story, but be a theme, a short explanation of the story or article. The writer should look at each chapter, scene, page, paragraph and even sentence. Each one should move the plot forward, support the thesis, or develop the theme. If not, then it needs to be improved or cut from the manuscript.

Consistency, this is the catchword when editing for structure and organization. Does each page have the same emotional impact, entertainment value, information level, education level, and grammar style.

Remember the Audience

Answer These Questions
What is the education level of the audience?
What do they need to get from reading this?
What do they care about socially, morally, or spiritually?
Why will people read this:
-Fiction - entertainment, escapism, emotional impact?
-Non-Fiction - information, self-help, career advancement?
 

Writers need to look at every page to make sure the message is consistent. Or, in fiction, that the emotional impact is building the way it should.

Page or Scene Analysis

Look at each scene, page, or paragraph, depending on the length of the manuscript. In a novel, something must happen at least every three pages before something that is important to character development or drives the plot forward. In an article, information must be given every few lines or paragraphs.

Transitions

As each thought moves through an article, or each paragraph moves through a scene, they should be checked to make sure there is a transition. This can be easy to learn. In many cases, a transition can be as simple as ending one chapter talking about rain, and the next chapter begins with a sprinkler watering a lawn. Water drops become the transition.

Colors can also be a transition. The blue sky and a sad person can work together to form a transition, because people associate the color blue with grief.

The easiest way to include a transition is by reviewing a few details that happened in the last section, and then make sure they have an important impact in the new section.

Character and Romance Arcs

This topic is discussed in more detail in another article, but I wanted to mention it here. The heart of a romance novel is, in fact, the characters and romance. This means that they should receive a lot more attention than most writers give them. Take time to chart the character growth and romance arc first - it will save rewrites later.