Content Editing

Having just finished the content edit of my fourth novel—Mark of Orion—I am particularly inspired to blog about content editing. It is a challenging process. At times, it is terrifying. At times, absolutely thrilling. Its value is almost unquantifiable.

In the context of this post, content editing refers to the editing work done by an author and an editor. It focuses on storyline, character development, and phrasing. While spelling and grammar mistakes may be caught, they are not the focus. In fact, putting too much emphasis on them may well undermine more important efforts.

Here is some basic housekeeping on the concept: Content editing cannot be done until the novel is near completion, as its purpose is to review the novel as a whole. It should, however, be done before grammar editing—as a good many changes will likely arise. At its best, it is done in several sittings ranging over a period of two weeks to two months. Shorter than that and haste—not accuracy—will guide you. Longer, and details will start to slip away from the editor.

Now, onto more exciting subtopics…

You should know: not every author employs the content edit. It can be difficult to submit to oversight of a beloved work by professionals, nonprofessionals, and friends alike. Why should you submit? Because it is an eye-opening, career-building, talent-sharpening process. There is no substitute for reading through your book line by line and watching people laugh, cry, fall asleep in boredom, and pound the table in excitement. There is nothing like having a mentor critique certain sentences and praise others. I would not be the author I am today without content editing. Of this, I am sure. But there is another reason to content edit. Your perspective is limited by your life experience. Collaborating with people with different life experience will give you a better clarity for how to reach a variety of readers.

Again, there is not consensus on how the content edit should be done. Many authors print copies of their work, send it to friends or professionals, and take the red-inked feedback offered. This is a fine method, but it is not as excellent. It will not allow you to see the joy or sorrow or humor or boredom in the reader’s eyes at every turn of the story. Ink does not communicate what dialogue can.

So, if you are determined to do the best content edit possible, pick an editor. You can do this process with several different people if you have the patience, time, and spirit—I do not. Sit down with your new editor in a place where you can hash out problems, wrestle them to the ground, and find solutions. Then you—the author—read line by line. Ask questions. Take feedback. Craft better phrases. Make your novel excel.

Put on your battle armor first, though, friends. It can be a tough process. But the victory of completion is so worth it.

 -Jessie Mae Hodsdon