Fantasy Novels
How to Edit
Once your epic manuscript is penned, leave the novel to age
for a few weeks, or months. Then take the time to polish your
work before pursuing publishers. This isn't the signal to panic,
but to take a deep breath and spend time self-editing your
story. Even more than when you are writing, while self editing,
you will need a Do Not Disturb sign. (A lesson learnt from
experience.)
Outline the plot. In contemporary Fantasy the basic plot Arc
is when your main character, your Hero embarks, on his quest,
gathers a troupe of companions, faces antagonists, develops
through conflict and prevails in a climax. All loose ends are
tied to the satisfaction of your reader in the denouement. Plot
your story keeping to these simple arc guidelines. For fiction
writing in the fantasy genre you will need to include some form
of magic.
As you write each scene or chapter, include five instances
where the plot is propelled forward. Develop your Hero's
character, the conflict, the rules governing your magic, and/or
the overall plot. If you find your fantasy scene does not propel
the story forward, consider omitting anything that deviates from
the plot. Use this simple plot devise to keep your fiction
writing tight and your fantasy reader captivated.
Grammar
While re reading, and self-editing have a list of things to
look for to improve your grammar and your writing. To target the
mainstream publisher you must present a polished manuscript. To
help you achieve this, keep lists of 'words to avoid.' Check and
correct your grammar. Correct the overuse of adverbs,
adjectives, passive voice, telling not showing, cliches,
repetitive words and phrases, and altered POV.
Example List of Words to Avoid. Was, Were, Had, That,
Still, Felt, Noticed, Saw, Just, Nice, Thought, Up, and Down.
Also, avoid cliched words like really, beautiful, dark,
almost, very, just and so.
Commas
In English the rules for grammar change from region to
region. These differences can cause a great deal of confusion.
Once you have the English usage rules for your region, or the
region of the publisher and your prospective readers, apply them
throughout your writing.
Read Your Work Out Loud
Make every sentence flow. Print out your fantasy manuscript
once you feel it is polished and you have completed self
editing. Everything looks different in print. Go over your
writing again on the computer. If possible, seek the help of
other readers and writers. Have them review your work and look
for plot flaws or errors in your grammar.
Compare these Examples.
'deposited roughly onto a rain-drenched beach, coarse sand
abraded his exposed flesh, and had coated every surface and
filled every crevasse with grit. He ignored the discomfort while
struggling against each successive wave, to drag his companion's
inert body higher onto the storm battered beach. Coarse sand
dissolved beneath him as an undertow greedily tried to suck his
heavy burden back into the foamy tide. Against nature's fickle
temper, he bravely held ground. He dragged a mouthful of damp
air into tortured lungs, and ground grit filled teeth as he
waited impatiently for the next incoming surge.'
Remove unnecessary adjectives, adverbs words ending in ly
had, pronouns, gerunds words ending in ing and try again.
'deposited on a rain-drenched beach, coarse sand abraded exposed
flesh, coated every surface and filled every crevasse. Ignoring
his discomfort, he struggled to drag his companion's body higher
up the beach with each successive wave. Sand dissolved beneath
him as a greedy undertow reneged on the ocean's bounty, trying
to suck his burden back into the foamy tide. Against nature's
fickle temper, he held his ground, dragging air into tortured
lungs.'
Again, cull every unnecessary word and simplify.
'deposited on a beach in driving rain, he ignored the discomfort
of clinging sand. With each successive wave, he lifted his
companion's body higher onto the beach. A greedy undertow
dissolved the sand beneath him but he held ground against
nature's fickle temper. Dragging air into tortured lungs, he
waited for the next incoming surge.'
