After the Writing, the Real Work Begins

I’m not the best at rewriting. It’s not that I’m so impressed with my own words that I’m loathe to change a thing, it’s just that I’m sick of looking at them. I’ve got three NaNoWrMo manuscripts sitting here, all done, all waiting for me to rip the skin from their flesh and start rearranging their vital parts, but just thinking about it makes me feel tired.

Yes. I know. Lame. Lame. So very lame.

I am ashamed.

Why do I share this shame with you, you may ask? So that by doing so, I may publicly commit to rewriting one of these things such that I can submit it for publication confident it won’t make some poor intern’s eyes bleed. Since I suddenly have a lot more time for such things, I really have no excuse not to dive into the rewriting process.

But I won’t be going on this adventure alone. Oh no, I’m taking you with me! Along the way, I’ll be pointing out tips and hints I’ve found useful, holes I’ve fallen into, and any dubious tricks I discover to make the journey a little less painful.

The first helpful thing I’d like to share is 10 Steps for Editing Your Own Writing on the Daily Writing Tips page. It’s a good overview of the process, and I like the idea of looking at the manuscript one part of speech at a time.

How about you, dear reader? Any great tips to share? Any links? Any words of encouragement to your fellow rewriters?