Anyone Else Feeling Overwhelmed with Editing Their First Novel?

[JacobChavez]

You might have seen me around campus or in the admissions office. Yep, I'm that fellow with perpetually puzzled look, buried under mountain of paperwork. However, when I'm not wearing my University Admissions Director hat, love losing myself in the world of fiction. I've just finished the first draft of my debut novel it's suspense thriller set right here in Georgia (can't help but bring in that local flavor! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. But man, man. The editing process? It's like running marathon uphill. In the middle of July. In Atlanta. Seriously though, any advice to keep from getting overwhelmed?

I've got plot lines that need tightening up and characters who decided halfway through they wanted to do their own thing (even rebellious in their imaginary realm). Not to mention those pesky grammar issues that seem to sprout like kudzu vines! My problem is knowing where to start. Do start by sorting out the big-picture stuff? Or should get down to the nitty-gritty details first? And how do you know when enough's enough? Swear if read this manuscript one more time, might just start speaking in novel lingo. Honestly, But let's switch gears for second. Good friend of mine has just started at Clayton State University and he’s struggling to secure an on-campus job.

 

[AtlantaStateGrad]

I thought pipetting was stressful until I heard about manuscript editing! Science and words just don't mix well in my brain . I remember when I had to pull an all-nighter in the lab for my research project.

The stress levels were off the charts! But hey, we push through because we're determined and passionate about what we do. Have y'all considered reaching out to any writing or English resources on campus for help? Sometimes getting a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference in spotting those tiny errors. lowkey maybe there's a writing center or peer editing group that could give you some pointers! keep going, though!

you got this! what's been the most challenging part of the editing process for you so far? and do you find it easier to edit someone else's work rather than your own? just curious!