Last October, I had a post about writing a mystery like a reader. Now that I’m into the editing phase of my third novel, I realize that editing like a reader is an excellent tool to add my prose-polishing kit. What do I mean by editing like a reader? Keep reading!
The Key Question
When it comes to editing, there are usually two main problems: a section is over-written and needs cut down, or it’s under-written and needs fleshed out. One way to fix either of these problems is for the writer to ask this question during the editing process: what does the reader need to know right now in this scene?
Let’s say you’re writing historical fiction. Being a conscientious writer, you’ve done hours and hours of research. As you write your story, you put it in all the fun facts you’ve learned. But now that you’re editing, you have to ask if your readers need all these fun facts to enjoy the story. Do you they need to know every step of how settlers in the Ohio territory made candles in 1800? Do they need the history of the log cabin because your main character lives in one?
Historical fiction readers do want historical details–that’s one of the reasons they read the genre. But a writer has to understand when and how many details to include.
Another genre that enjoys rich details is speculative fiction. Readers expect in-depth worldbuilding. If you are editing an action scene in your fantasy novel and realize your characters are using magic or tools that haven’t been explained before now, you should to add those details to your story. Without some explanation of those objects or techniques, the action scene won’t be exciting.
Writing a Series
Writing a series forces me to edit like a reader all the time. A major supporting character in my second novel has a cameo role in my third. I don’t need to give that character’s whole backstory in the third novel. It will take away from the narrative. But I may have to reference events from the previous novel. Then I have to ask myself what do readers need to know about that past event so they can enjoy the current novel.
Writers, what do you think of editing like a reader? What editing tips do you recommend?
For more advice on editing, click here.
This is great! One problem I’ve had is if I do any rearranging of dialogue or scenes, then I have to read through the manuscript with a blank slate mind and ask myself if any characters appear out of order (suddenly a character is front and center but that character’s introduction comes a chapter later, etc). So yes, I agree that editing like a reader is important!