Applying Initial Developmental Edits: A Guide for Newcomers
In the world of literature, receiving developmental edits can often feel daunting, especially when faced with suggestions that seem to require major structural changes. For one author, this was the case when they were asked to add a missing vestry to a cathedral in their manuscript. Uncertain about how to make the necessary changes without compromising the structure, they found a unique solution: the Frankenstein method.
The Frankenstein method, as the author discovered, involves having three documents open: the original document, a blank document, and revision notes. The author copies and pastes the text they are keeping into the blank document, types in brackets what the change is and how to make it, and then moves on to paste in the next section of text. This process, reminiscent of the legendary scientist's creation, allowed the author to work on the manuscript without destroying its original essence while providing targeted places to make changes.
The author also learned to trust their own writer instincts, discarding advice that didn't align with the story's needs. They created a checklist document of all changes that needed to be made, with headings for each section and a heading for "big picture" items. This checklist served as a guide throughout the revision process, ensuring that no important changes were overlooked.
To better understand the developmental editing process, the author watched a YouTube video titled "How to Revise Your Novel Using the 'Frankenstein' Method" by Jessica Brody. The video provided valuable insights into applying developmental edits seamlessly into a document. Once finished, the author went back through the story from the beginning and "stitched" the bracketed areas into the story with prose, narration, description, or whatever was needed to apply the change.
The author took a break from revisions to work on a fun, light-hearted side project for 2-3 days. Upon returning to the manuscript, they found that the Frankenstein method had helped them write "ugly" before refining and stylizing the text. This approach allowed them to discover what they were trying to say before finding a simpler, more direct way of saying it.
The author ended up with a story that they feel is their best work to date, titled "Pearls." They gained a better understanding of their long-term process for future developmental edits and encourage others to share their tips and tricks for applying revisions in the comments.
When it came to sharing the revised draft with others, the author asked a handful of people who raved about the initial drafts to review the revised draft and let them know where they deviated from the original premise. Everyone who reviewed the revised draft told the author that the changes enhanced the story. The Frankenstein method, it seemed, had been a resounding success.
From a writer's perspective, applying developmental edits involves systematically addressing broad, structural, and content-level feedback to improve your manuscript’s focus, coherence, and engagement with the target audience. Key methods include carefully reviewing the editorial letter, prioritizing major structural and content changes, making iterative passes, maintaining your authorial voice and intent, and reassessing alignment with your target audience and genre. By systematically integrating developmental feedback with prioritized revisions, staged editing passes, and thoughtful reflection, writers can transform a draft into a more polished, coherent, and engaging manuscript ready for subsequent editing stages.
The author's unique method of revision, known as the Frankenstein method, shows the importance of personal growth and learning in the realm of education-and-self-development. This procedure, which emphasizes targeted changes without destroying the original essence of the manuscript, embodies the author's journey towards improving their writing skills and achieving personal growth.
By following the "Frankenstein" method and integrating developmental feedback systematically, the author revised their manuscript, focusing on broad, structural, and content-level adjustments. This process demonstrates their dedication to learning and self-improvement, essential elements of education-and-self-development for any writer seeking personal growth.
