Guiding Developmental Edits: A Beginner's Guide
How to Slay that Monster called Developmental Edits
Are you going batty searching for tips on how to actually implant developmental edits? I got ya! I've found a ton of editor advice, but zilch on what writers can do to make those puppies work. I mean, I'm just a newbie at this whole developmental thing, but here I am, having gone through the process and ready to spill the beans.
So let's kick things off straight away. You receive your developmental edits, and they're like some gigantic statue that's missing a few key details (and by a few, I mean like a couple cities and a willing rhino for companionship). Your master architect (developmental editor) points to a solid brick wall (your story) and tells you, "You forget that whole vibrant city over there, and we should probably add a quirky sidekick for your protagonist."
You're probably thinking, "There go my beautifully built sandcastles, crashing to the ground!" But, fear not, fellow writers! Here are six tactics to help you tackle developmental edits like a boss.
Step 1: Plan the Raid
Read through your editor's comments and create a battle plan. Divide your manuscript into sections and make a checklist of changes that need to be made. Under each section, list the edits that apply, and add notes about how you'll make them work. This will give you a clear map to follow, making it easier to slay the beast!
Step 2: Scope Out the Territory
Identify the big picture items that apply to multiple sections. Create a game plan on where to incorporate these changes to ensure a seamless join with the rest of your story.
Step 3: Sneak in the Backdoor (aka Writing Ugly)
You've got your strategy outlined, but now comes the tricky part—actually making the changes. Don't worry about making it pretty yet; just get the new bits and pieces in there. Once all changes are accounted for, you can clean it up and make it shine.
Step 4: Enter the Dragon's Lair (aka The 'Frankenstein' Method)
Open three documents: your original manuscript, a new one, and your revision notes. Copy the parts of your original that still work and paste them into your new doc, then mark changes with brackets. Once you've accounted for all changes, you can weave them back into the original manuscript with ease.
Step 5: Mind-Mapping those Edits
This method will help you sort out your thoughts, take a load off the brain, and catch helpful patterns that will help you craft a more solid Horcrux (er, story).
Step 6: Build a Support Team
Share your work with other writers, critique groups, or hire a professional editor. Constructive feedback is a vital part of the process, and having others on your side is insanely helpful when you're in the thick of it.
And remember, it's your story, so trust your gut and apply the changes that resonate with you. Don't be afraid to stand strong with your unique vision, and feel free to disregard any advice that doesn't feel right.
Now, go conquer those developmental edits, and may your tale be epic! Good luck, and happy writing.
- Embrace these suggested tactics for personal growth in your education-and-self-development journey: plan the revisions, scope out the major changes, write ugly to sneak in the backdoor, combine the elements using the 'Frankenstein' method, mind-map the edits, and build a support team to help you refine your work.
- As you delve deeper into the learning process of mastering developmental edits, remember that patience and dedication to personal growth and learning are key to unlocking your story's full potential.
