The Joy of Editing: How I Keep Losing Myself in My Own Novel

As a writer, there's nothing quite like the experience of diving into the world you've created and getting lost in it. And for me, that experience has been particularly intense during the editing process for my novel. I find myself completely absorbed in the story, to the point where I sometimes forget that I'm supposed to be editing!

 

But as much as I'm enjoying the experience, I also know that I need to be disciplined and get my work done. Editing is a crucial step in the publishing process, and it's important to make sure that my novel is the best it can be before I put it out into the world. So how do I balance the joy of reading my own work with the need to be productive and get the job done?

 

Here are a few tips that have helped me stay focused and get my novel ready for self-publishing:

 

Set achievable goals: It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work involved in editing a novel, but I find that breaking the process down into manageable chunks helps me stay focused. I set specific goals for each day or each session, so that I know exactly what I need to accomplish.

 

Get feedback from others: If you're lucky enough to have access to beta readers, make sure you listen to their advice but also check you have the right beta readers for you. Ensure that the advice suits your novel and the style you want to share. 

 

Take breaks: It's important to take breaks and step away from your work every now and then. I find that getting outside, taking a walk, or doing something completely different helps me recharge and come back to my editing with fresh eyes.

 

Use tools to stay organized: I use Microsoft Word to keep track of my revisions and make sure that I don't miss anything. I also keep a bullet journal and pages and pages of notes to help me remember where I've edited. I also use different coloured pens. I know that sounds daft, but the different colours help me see the editing clearly. 

 

To be honest, editing my novel has been an incredibly enjoyable experience, deep down. I love getting lost in the world I've created and discovering new things about my characters and story. But I also know that it's important to be disciplined and get my work done. By setting achievable goals, getting feedback from others, taking breaks, and using tools to stay organized, I've been able to make the most of this exciting process and get my novel ready for self-publishing.