Editing
When it comes to how to write a book, editing is an essential skill to learn. I hate editing as it is so tedious. However, I do have a process for it. I suggest that you make a list of how you will work, and tick off each job as you have done it. For ease, I suggest creating a spreadsheet and dating each item as you do it.
This list that follows acts as an aide memoir, take it and make it your own.
E.g.:
- Chapter titles.
- Subheadings. (E.g. Headings 1-5)
- First lines and introductions.
- First paragraphs after headings.
- Blank lines between paragraphs.
- Spell and grammar check.
- Headers and footers.
- Page numbering.
- Section breaks.
- Bullets and point numbering are consistent.
- Chapter templates are consistent.
- Check chapters start on the right hand side.
- Read on screen and edit as you read.
- Print, read, edit, amend – several times.
- Check tables are formatted the right way.
- Images are the right quality.
- Look for blank pages and delete.
- Edit for
- Widows and orphans.
- Full stops, commas.
- Consistency.
- General style.
- Readability.
- Facts.
- Check that your exercises work.
- Check research is cited.
- Check table of contents for accuracy.
- Check index is fully populated and accurate.
- At ‘final’ draft read, create a PDF and read on screen, amend.
- Create proof book on Createspace or Lulu.
- (Createspace) – use the reviewer, amend and re upload as required.
- When proof book arrives, check, layout, titles, headings, spelling, grammar, flow, widows, orphans, in fact – all of your editing tasks.
- Amend and resubmit, checking your document and the reviewer until you are happy.
- Print copies for distribution.
Please do let me know what else you do and how you do it.
There are some authors especially the ones, who are going to publish their book for the first time, do not understand the necessity of book editing and this is definitely a must consider notion to fully understand the importance of this matter.
http://www.allaboutwords.com