When last I wrote, I shared details of the intricate dance of the writer and the editor. Wouldn’t you know, the music played on. Editing would require another spin around the dance floor. I was ready!
Always by my side!
Yes, editing is a process. Revisions can be many. Upon receiving first comments and suggestions from my editor, it is again up to me to evaluate and revise. I have found this can often take me late into the night. In fact, a great deal of my focused writing and revising takes place while darkness peers in my windows. It all comes down to the dog. Yes, the dog. The one who likes to play, explore, walk, play, snuggle, present a toy, and not sleep during the day. She is a toddler, though she is fourteen. I am her built-in fun. I must wait for her to settle for the night. Then, I begin.
For the past few weeks, I have gone through manuscript revision and proofreading. The latter, like the concept editing and line editing, is another dance, with a different partner - a professional proofreader. Each time a manuscript returns from a proofreader, I question if I ever had a grammar class in school. It is shocking how strong a grasp of the English language my proofreader has, and how much weaker is my grasp. I am grateful beyond grateful for input from my amazing proofreader. The proofreading dance is a multi-step process. Questions are posed. Precise meaning is discussed. Changes are made accordingly. I, once again, revel in the excitement of working with another professional and expanding my knowledge. I also spend hours on task. Vision blurs. Sleep slides across the room. Hot tea cools as fingers tap upon my laptop. The Little Brown Dog checks in with me from time to time. Finally, the last change is made. It is time to prepare the manuscript for release! It is time for me to rest.