writing tips

editing

Dearest coco, I re-read my story and realized it sucked. Now, I want to edit it to make it better, but I have no clue where to start, you may be asking. Or not, I'm not a mind reader.

Here's how:

1. Edit when it's done, not as you write

Trying to edit while you're writing can distract you and hinder your progress. That's why most authors on wattpad tend to edit after their stories are completed, so they don't get derailed from actually writing their story.

You can't edit a story if there isn't one in the first place.

2. Grammar

Fix that grammar, kiddos! Now's the perfect opportunity to polish that chapter and make it look better. Check the spelling, the typos, the punctuation—everything, so you can make your story pristine-perfect.

3. Cutting down and adding things

This is the harder part. Sometimes, we want to add descriptions or cut down on some, but we aren't sure which to throw in and which to trash.

A good rule of thumb is to ask:

Is it necessary? Does it add to the flow, the setting, or the plot?

Is there anything missing? As a reader, am I seeing a clear picture or a fuzzy image?

From there, you are able to adjust your story—remembering the flow, the organization, and how a reader would feel upon reading it.

4. Drafts

This is Wattpad, and let's be honest—wattpad isn't about 500-draft stories. And that's okay! But for those of you who have long-ass WIPs and several drafts planned, this is when you go over your entire story and find things you can revise. Better phrasing, better wording, unnecessary scenes, etc., etc.

It's all about making sure your story is ready so that your readers don't lose interest.

Take into account that editing is a process, and you won't always get perfection on the first pass. But that's what learning's all about, isn't it?