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.