It's been a couple months since I did this, and it's pretty much my only regular feature. So! Time for Q&A! All questions welcome. Consider me your Dear Abby for the day. I will answer all questions asked before midnight as soon as I can in comments.
How do you go about tackling revisions for the MS on sub? How do you keep from feeling like the first version that went out was "subpar"?
ReplyDeleteIt's hard not to feel a little beat down, but you have to remember that editors always have improvements to offer a novel. That's their job! Even when they buy a book, there is often extensive editing after. I did two big revisions and a line edit for mine before I got the pass for copy edits (which is like the last little tweaks). And that was after I had rewritten this entire book and revised it like 6 times on my own.
DeleteI guess I'm saying there is always room for improvement, and that doesn't make you a bad writer. I just makes you normal. If an editor mentions something that resonates with you, don't be afraid to make that change. If it doesn't, don't mess with it.
So let's say you've finished a draft of a new WIP (yay!), but you feel like it's missing something. Do you have specific revision steps or do you send it off to your CPs hoping they can identify that ”thing”?
ReplyDeleteBecky, if I KNOW what's missing, I keep it back and do the changes on my own. But if I have done what I can and don't know what else to do, I send to crit partners, expecting them to make good points. That's what they are for! You don't have to feel bad for it not being perfect. Give 'em something to crit:)
DeleteI'm very new to writing. What advice can you give me?
ReplyDeleteI have just the post for you! My Reference tab is also full of advice on many topics, but that's the best I have for new writers:)
DeleteThanks!!
DeleteWhat are your revision "tactics?" When you finish a draft, and turn back to that messy ol' Chapter 1, what's the first thing you look to fix?
ReplyDeleteDo you just wade around looking to "make it better," or do you have a system worked out for yourself?
I'd love as detailed of a response as I can get from you. I just finished my first draft of my MS, and lo and behold, drafting is not the same as revising, haha.
Christine, I am happy to give you a *really* detailed answer! Right now I have to make my kids food, then I have to teach scouts about art. So look for it in a few hours. Want to make sure I give my reply full attention:)
Delete:D>-<
DeleteThat is me jumping for joy.
Okay, Christine, here we go. Are you ready?
DeleteThe first thing I do when I go to revise my first draft (before beta readers have even seen it) is...nothing.
Yup, I do nothing for at least a week. Maybe two. Sometimes a month or more, even. It's really important to get that distance. When you first finish a draft, you're on that high and it's hard to see the flaws because you FINISHED A NOVEL. And you should be proud of that. Stringing that many pages of words together in any coherent fashion is an accomplishment, so it takes a little while to let that settle.
And you need it to settle, because the work isn't over yet, and you have to prepare yourself for the next grueling phase. You need to put aside the "I just finished a book!" high and move into skepticism mode. You have to question everything you did and see if you can think of a way to do it better.
Thinking, deciding what feels off, really dissecting the book, is what should be happening in this break period, be it a week or a year. You have to be honest with yourself. Did you overwrite? Underwrite? Are all the characters necessary? Is that chapter needed? Do you need to write more? Is the plot solid? Where are the holes?
After the thinking, I move into the organizing phase. I write out what I think could be improved and how I can improve it. I go mostly on instinct, taking care to think about the spots I feel didn't meet my vision.
Once I organize what I THINK needs to change, I reread the book. This helps me see if I am right in what needs to change, and now that time has passed I usually find other issues that need work.
After the read through, I make a solid list of what I want to fix. It's usually pretty long, involving copious deleting and rewriting. I change character personalities. Fix plot holes. Try to strengthen relationships and emotional arcs. I think about setting, varying it and making it matter (my first drafts and usually severely lacking in description). I re-plot story lines that aren't working or could be stronger.
When I feel like I have done my best with that, I move onto the nuts and bolts. I start focusing on sentences and grammar and punctuation and repetition. I cut the awkward phrasing and things that feel inauthentic. Etc.
Once I feel like I can't see anything else, I send it on. But I am also aware that there can be so much more done. There SHOULD be so much more. Everyone needs outside criticism to really push their work to the next level. It's part of the game.
If you want more info on how I work, please ask more questions. That's basically all I can think of right now.
Wow. This could be a blog post on it's own, Natalie. Thanks for the advice, it's just what I needed right now as I'm revising
DeleteGreat advice! My relationship with my MS could be described as "happily disenchanted." The spark is still there, but I am not blind to the pile of stinking poo it's hiding under, ehehe.
DeleteI don't have any more questions on top of this, just because I feel like you've summarized a goldmine and I should study up on the rabbit-trails you've shown me, and use what I have.
Thanks for answering my question!
I would like to add though, that your answer was not only informative, but inspiring! I actually took my MS vacation already, and was feeling slumpy this morning. This was the perfect motivational tonic for me.
DeleteThanks again, for all you do :D
You are very welcome:) Good luck digging in!
DeleteJust wanted to say I loved this one too and got so much out of it. Thank you!
DeleteTracy, welcome to writing!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how you know when you're "done" editing?
ReplyDeleteI've done several rounds of full edits (tightening, fleshing out, condensing, and major cutting to get my word count down), then I did 3 more full rounds with 3 separate CPs. I feel like I can't do any more, but then if I re-read it, I start tweaking little things (though at this point, I'm probably futzing and not actually improving). I'm not sure if this means I'm "done"--as in, I've gotten as good as I can possibly get it without a real editor or agent and therefore it's time to query (or pursue self-publishing!) or if this just means I'm burnt out and weary.
Any thoughts would be SO appreciated. Thank you in advance! I absolutely love your blog :)
Sara, "done" is such a relative term. I mean, you're not technically done until that book is published and you really can't change anything. So that would mean I'm still not done with TRANSPARENT, though I've been working on it for like 3 years.
DeleteI would say, though, that when you can't do more it's time to move on to the next phase. It sounds as if you've put your all into making this book the best you can. Maybe it's not "ready," but you can't know that until you get agent feedback now. And you can't know it's not ready for publication until you get editor feedback, really.
So take the plunge—it'll help you gauge where you're at:)
Awesome! Thank you so much for your reply! :)
DeleteAlso, if I may be so greedy to ask 2 questions, I was wondering what your thoughts are on self-publishing and why you decided to pursue the traditional path instead. Thank you again! :)
ReplyDeleteSara, I'm not against self-publishing, but for me I decided early on that it didn't fit my skill set. Going that route requires a savvy marketing mind, being willing to promote yourself and get out there in ways that I don't feel I'm good at.
DeleteFor me, while the traditional route is marked with lots of gates, it felt more comfortable to me to get the support of an agent and publisher. They can do things for me that I really don't want to do myself. They can get my book places it would be hard for me to get into on my own. It did take me five years, but I became a better writer fighting along that path and it felt like the right choice for me.
For other writers, self-publishing feels right for them. It's certainly not any easier, just different, and I really admire writers who venture out on their own like that.
I'll add to something Natalie said here about 'skill set'--in addition to marketing you're also responsible for the whole shebang. You are responsible for all the edits, for the layout, the cover design, everything. If you want it done well (and why wouldn't you?), you're likely going to have to find people to do some of those things for you, which means finding, hiring and paying them. Some people are very good at doing all this; some of us know we're not.
DeleteThank you again, Natalie. Your answer makes perfect sense. Self-publishing almost feels like the wild west--to hitch up your own wagon and head out there into the unknown, on your own, with no paved roads and a survival skillset. It looks scary but exciting. Anyway - thanks for your answers (and as always your honesty!) today. SO appreciated! :)
DeleteOne of my weak spots while writing is pacing--and I know one of the rules is to have something happen every three pages, like a major reveal or even a tiny little emotional thing. But do you have any advice for pacing? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteAshelynn, I have never heard that rule! It's kind of interesting, but also kind of strict and could lead you down a really wrong path for your novel. I would be wary of and concrete rules like that.
DeleteWhat clicked for me was something a little more flexible—the idea that every scene should move your character from one "place" to another, be it physical, mental, or emotional. Does that make sense? So if your character goes in not knowing where something is, they should find it or discover something by the end of the scene. Otherwise, why bother?
That is plot progression, keeping your character "uncomfortable." If they are safe, put them in danger. In danger? Make them feel safe. Are they against love? How can you make that change?
Every piece of your book, quiet or loud, should be creating that conflict and moving the character forward...or backwards, maybe! Just not in the same state—that doesn't work.
Thank you so much! And yes, it does make sense. :)
DeleteHow do you edit? For example do you work on chapters at a time
ReplyDeletePrequel to above question =o)
I am utilizing a professional editor to polish my novel(s)and when I am done I will put all the chapters back and then send it to editor for final edit, knowing that task the strangest thought came to me how the heck am I going to put all those chapters back...I know the answer but in that moment it felt like the most impossible task ever lol =o)
Keisha, I'm gonna be writing a big long "how I edit" to Christine, so look out for that. But I so get your feeling of being overwhelmed with edits. I always am at first. It takes me a good week or so to wrap my head around an edit letter. So take your time and let your brain figure it out. It will, piece by piece:)
DeleteThank you so much Natalie I appreciate you answering my question and I know each writer has there own technique for doing things,in regards to writing but it helps me sometimes figure what will work for me.
DeleteI'm a youngish writer so everything seems really scary to me! I was wondering if you could give me any tips and advice on how to keep writing a story even if you don't like it?
ReplyDeleteShort Answer: Get used to doing things that are hard or unpleasant.
DeleteLonger Answer: Writing isn't always fun. It's kind of like exercise or going to church or cooking, etc. The ACT may not be enjoyable all the time, but you are always glad you did it after. And if you aren't glad you wrote? Well, maybe writing isn't for you.
It takes self-discipline to write an entire novel without anyone telling you to. There are lots of different ways writers get it done—some set goals, others binge write, whatever. You have to find what works for you, and you have to make time for it if you really care about doing it.
And it's not wrong if you aren't ready to take it seriously yet! There is zero rush. You are totally allowed to enjoy your life, write when you feel like it, and save the idea of publication for when you're ready.
Be honest with where you are at. If you could be working harder, maybe commit to that. But if not, it's all good.
I have three questions for you. First, how do you plot? Do you plot methodically, taking into account your themes and whatnot as you imagine the story, or something else?
ReplyDeleteAlso, and I don't know if this applies to you, but do you ever write in first person and notice that your characters just pick it up and run away? In my current WIP, my protagonist is really interesting to listen to, but I'm secretly afraid that he's too larger-than-life for the reader to believe. His absurd humor is starting to worry me. Although it's wonderful that the novel is starting to write itself. (:
And finally, what are you reading these days?
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! Also, I just finished reading White Cat. I loved it. Your little recommendation jumped it up in my to-read list. Haha.
1. James, I am not a methodical plotter. I have a vague idea where I'm going, but my first drafts are exploratory. I get a premise, inciting incident, and basically work from there.
Delete2. I write primarily in first person, so I know just what you mean:) I think it's okay to let the MC run a little wild in the first draft, but you have to make sure and edit that voice well in revisions. It's okay to have a unique voice as long as it's tempered and balanced.
3. Right now I'm reading CINDER by Marissa Meyer in paper book, and BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS by Shannon Hale in e-book. Enjoying both very much. Also just finished SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo—absolutely adored it.
Glad you liked WHITE CAT! Holly is so freaking brilliant.
1. That's pretty much what I plan to do. When you do this, do you have several different endings in mind? I have a couple of different ways my story could end. But maybe I should finish drafting it before I start fussing over the end!
Delete2. This is one of those 'write ten pages, throw out five' kinds of things, isn't it? Revisions, revisions, revisions. I'm planning on starting revisions of the early chapters next week, but I don't know if I'll ever finish the draft if I start revising, even with my sort-of plan!
3. That's great! - I have Shadow and Bone on hold from the library and Books of a Thousand Days is sitting somewhere in my massive pile of library books, waiting to be unearthed. Unfortunately, it's not due until the beginning of August, which means it stays where it is.
Thanks again! Really looking forward to reading Transparent when it comes out next year! And yes, Holly is brilliant. And I love Cassel. He's my new man crush.
1. I usually don't have an ending in mind at all, lol. What really drives my writing is that discovery. I write to figure that out.
Delete2. I would personally not revise until the end, but for me revising is a totally different mindset than drafting. I try not to mix the two. I get a whole draft done before I touch it edit-wise.
1. Like...word vomit? :D That's what I'm doing. I hit my daily minimum and I'mt strangely not worried that it felt like pulling teeth to write today. I know where I want to go, but I don't know how to get there!
Delete2. Sounds like good advice. I have to keep reminding myself that my manuscript will be changed! I have a hard time with this concept. Thank-you!
First of all let me just say that I am a long time follower and your journey inspires me so much. I am so excited to read Transparent next summer.
ReplyDeleteHere is my question
How did you get passed slumps in your writing routines before you were contracted? Since there was technically no deadline what kept you motivated?
MsFairyFreak, I guess you could say I am naturally motivated? I set a very basic goal for myself a long time ago: 1k a day, 5 days a week. And I just did it. Sometimes I would write much more than 1k, but I would at least do that.
DeleteRight now, since I have a newborn, I've lowered that goal to 1 page, which is like 250 words. Sometimes I write more, but that's the minimum.
That routine has just become part of my day, I guess. It's kind of like exercising, once you get used to it you just want to do it. Sometimes I hate every second of writing for the day, but I'm always glad I worked, too. Maybe I've just gotten used to doing things that aren't fun because I know they will pay off eventually:)
Is your correspondence with your agent done all by phone/email? Or do you ever meet in person? Or your editor/publisher?
ReplyDeleteTess, it's all phone/email. I haven't met my current agent in person, though I did meet my previous agent because I happened to be visiting San Francisco where he lived.
DeleteSince I live in Utah and my agent and editor both live in New York...I imagine I won't be meeting them in person for a long while. But it's amazing what you can get done without ever seeing someone in person:)
You're pretty darn fantastic for doing this. Just wanted to jump in and say that.
ReplyDeleteCarry on. ;-)
I know I'm rather late on this, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyways. When submitting the ten pages of your MS in the body of the email with your query, how do you format it? (including page breaks, indents, page numbers, etc.)
ReplyDeleteI've looked around the internet for standard MS format, but it all seems to be on hard copy MS.