Whether you’re a plotter who plans every detail or a pantser who dives into the unknown, editing is where your story truly comes to life. For some of us, writing the first draft feels like conquering a mountain, but the real magic happens in editing. No matter your writing style, here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process manageable and effective.
Step 1: Take a Step Back
Once you’ve finished your draft, give it some breathing room. It’s tempting to jump straight into edits, but stepping away helps you see the story with fresh eyes. Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, distance makes it easier to spot what works—and what doesn’t.
Step 2: Read Your Story with Fresh Eyes
When you’re ready to edit, start by reading your draft as if you’re the audience. Don’t fix anything yet—just take notes. Ask yourself:
- Does the story flow?
- Do the characters feel real and consistent?
- Are there any confusing parts?
For Plotters: Compare your draft to your outline. Did you stick to your plan? If not, does the new direction make sense?
For Pantsers: Look for the heart of your story. What themes or ideas stand out? Where does the plot feel solid, and where might it need more work?
Step 3: Start Big
Before diving into sentences or grammar, focus on the big picture:
- Plot: Are there any holes or unresolved threads? Does the story’s beginning, middle, and end flow naturally?
- Characters: Do they grow and change throughout the story? Are their motivations clear?
- Scenes: Does each scene have a purpose? If it doesn’t move the story forward or reveal something important, it might need to be cut or reworked.
For Pantsers: This is a great time to create a reverse outline. Map out what you’ve written to see how everything fits together.
For Plotters: Double-check that your story sticks to your planned structure—or decide if any deviations work better.
Step 4: Fill in the Gaps
Every draft has gaps, whether it’s missing details, unclear motivations, or underdeveloped subplots. Use this stage to strengthen weak areas:
- Add scenes or dialogue where necessary.
- Deepen emotional moments or relationships.
- Clarify any confusing points for the reader.
Step 5: Focus on the Details
Once the story structure feels solid, it’s time to zoom in on the details:
- Clarity: Are your sentences clear and easy to follow?
- Pacing: Are there parts that drag or feel rushed?
- Repetition: Are you overusing certain words or phrases?
This stage is about making your writing shine.
Step 6: Proofread Like a Pro
Finally, it’s time to proofread for grammar, spelling, and typos. Reading your work out loud can help you catch mistakes you might miss otherwise. You can also use tools like spellcheck or ask a friend to review it.
Step 7: Embrace the Process
Editing is hard work, but it’s also rewarding. Whether you’re refining a detailed plan or untangling the threads of a free-flowing draft, each pass brings you closer to the story you want to tell.
Take your time, celebrate your progress, and remember that every writer has their own unique process. Whether you plan everything or discover as you go, your story is yours—and editing will make it shine.
How do you approach editing? I’d love to hear about your process, whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between!
Happy Editing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 