Wait a minute… I just spent two months writing to a deadline. Now I have more deadlines? Yikes!
Wow, the day after the contract was signed, all the “stuff” came flooding in. Tons of emails, and tons of information. I knew that there would be a lot to do, but I must admit, when I saw it spelled out, I was a little daunted.
One of the emails contained a very long list of things that need to be done before the target release date. Thank goodness, many of the things on the list are dates when the publisher needs to do things. But there are things that I need to do.
***editing***
Ugh. Editing. I figured I would need to do a little work on it, but I was a little surprised when they asked me to go through LAST WINTER RED and look for about 50 possible things that the editors will flag, so it will be as clean as possible before they have to review it.
I am using a computer program to analyses my manuscript, and it’s surprising when a computer highlights possible problems how many things pop up that you don’t see when you read. As always, I don’t agree with everything the computer says. A computer does not, or instance, understand that you are looking for an emotional reaction when you purposely repeat a word five times in a paragraph, and that it was intentional…but in the instances where it was not intentional, I was able to make the changes, and the sentences are much stronger.
That is where I am now. There are about six different reports to run like this. Some of them overlap, but it is a lot to look at, and a lot to consider (see that… duplication of “a lot” for an emotional response… are ya feeling emotional?)
Anyway…tons to do, and now there is a new deadline, and five other authors in the same boat counting on me to finish in time.
Jennifer M Eaton 
It does sound daunting!
Out of curiosity, what computer program are you using?
I am using AutoCrit. It is amazing what it comes out with.
Which version of autocrit do you use? It looks pretty awesome, but if you’re going with a full-length novel, is a bit pricey
I got a lot out of it, and the price goes down the second year. If I drop my next novel into it in two months and it comes out clean, I just won’t renew. It brings stuff to the surface that you can easily miss, though.
Oh, I didn’t know that. Maybe I’ll give it a try when my WIP is ready for some heavy-duty editing. Right now I’m almost done with the first draft, and synopsizing. The latter is clarifying what needs to be left out!
Thanks for your replies, and your blog! Lots of great info there. 🙂
Thanks! Glad you enjoy it!
Editing is one of those tricky things… You’ve poured your heartblood into your work, and then someone else comes along and tells you to chop and change. Ouch! I’m a pragmatist, and I know that an external, unbiased perspective will make my work better. As long as I get the feeling that the editor is sympathetic (rather than hostile), I’m happy to go along and chop and change as instructed–within reason. I tend to read through the edits in full first of all, take a deep breath and digest… then work through one by one. Good luck with it all and keep smiling–it’s all for a greater purpose, and it’ll be worth it in the end!
Ugh… their comments… that will be a fun post I’m sure.
Good luck with your editing! What’s the name of the computer program that you’re using, Jennifer?
Shelley
I’m using AutoCrit. It finds a ton of interesting stuff
Keep focusing on one item at a time throughout your paper. Doing all six on your checklist, if not more, would drive anyone mental. 😀
Pink.
I try to focus on one, but think about the others as I see them… then I run each report separately to see how I did.
That’s fabulous! You’re amazing, just keep on goin’! 😀
Pink.
Trucking away!
I got a similar list. It depressed me. I’m taking the day off.
Ha! Enjoy yor day off, then back to the grindstone!
Way to go Jennifer! Keep us posted :).
Thanks!
Yikes. I’m not sure if I would work better or worse with a deadline (I’m allergic to stress!) I’m sure you will do fine. I have faith in you. 🙂
I actually think I do better, as long as the deadline is feasible. If I’m writing leaisurly, I take too much time, and it takes YEARS. Right now, I am trying to finish the first draft of my new WIP by the end of July. That would take 1000 words a day, and I slipped over the holiday, and in taking time doing edits for my publisher, but I know what I need to do to get back in-line.
You are much more disciplined than I am. I’m lucky if I get ANY words done on a regular basis.
It’s been a tustle for the last week. I need to catch up.
You’ll get through it. And you’ll do it well. As will your fellow authors. You’re a professional. 🙂
Wow… I’m a professional. Tee Hee.
You’ll get through them. No worries.
Out of interest what programmes do you use? I just stick with the grammar checker on word…
I use AutoCrit. It pops up a world of errors. You can try it on small hunks of your novel for free.
Looks cool. I’ll probably give it a bash on the next draft. Looks like it would be good at picking up bad habits. Cheers.
At some point you will think, “Can I look at this manuscript one more time because I’m so sick of it?” That’s a good thing. It means you’ve been thorough. Keep up the good work.
I’m getting close.
Woohooo! Go Jen 🙂 🙂 🙂
🙂