Jedi Trick: Memorize Your Edit Letters

I’ve gotten an edit letter that was 4 paragraphs long. I’ve gotten an edit letter than was four pages long. I’ve gotten an edit letter than went from one email to twenty emails, discussing all sorts of possibilities.

In all instances, I read the letter and emails about 50 times before starting to revise. No joke.

I’ve found that before I dig in and start revising, it’s better to have a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be done, so when I start re-tackling the novel, it’s all in my mind and I can edit as I go.

This is much easier than doing one thing at a time, and having to go through the manuscript several times to work individual plot points.

So I guess what I’m saying is memorize the forest, not the trees.

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One thought on “Jedi Trick: Memorize Your Edit Letters”

  • Good point!

    Especially if the notes concern a main character arc — you’ll have to change a lot of little things throughout the entire manuscript, and I’ve found it’s good to have a strong game plan in place before you make any changes.

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