Five Stages to Writing Your Book

by Barbara McNichol

Authors who may want to hire me to edit their books don’t always know the details of how we’d work together on their manuscripts. Let me spell out the stages you’d follow and where the editing piece usually comes in.

Stage One

1. Organize your content (stories, narratives, exercises, etc.) into sections and chapters.
2. Determine a working order for these sections and chapters.
3. Write individual chapter summaries in bullet-point form, spelling out distinct objectives for each one.
4. Get editor’s feedback on logic, flow, and completeness of the book’s planned content.
5. Make adjustments based on feedback.

Stage Two

1. Go through content again and make sure it’s complete; add or subtract stories, graphs, exercises, etc.
2. Write transition paragraphs, captions, etc. where needed.
3. Editor does a 3-page Sample Edit and creates an Editing Plan.
   • Time/fee will depend on word count and level of editing needed (determined by doing Sample Edit).

Stage Three

1. Start editing process—editor’s first review includes:
   • Improve expression of the writing in clear, succinct ways; rewrite where needed.
   • Correct grammar, spelling, syntax, and minor sentence structure problems.
   • Ensure continuity, logic, and consistency of the writing.
   • Eliminate jargon, wordiness, redundancies, etc.
   • Make sure formatting is consistent throughout.
2. Editor asks clarifying questions and embeds suggestions for additions as part of this review.

Stage Four

1. Answer clarifying questions; make additions.
2. Send out manuscript for peer review.
3. Add, subtract, change content based on feedback from peers.
4. Integrate all changes—editor’s second review.
   • Ensures all changes flow well within the edited text and are consistent in style and tone.

Stage Five

1. Reread the manuscript and make your final changes.
2. Editor edits all final changes and does a final proofread.
   • Catches lingering grammar, punctuation, spelling, and missing-word errors.
   • Ensures the document is ready for design/ production.

At what stage is your manuscript-writing process? How can I help?Email me to set up a time to discuss your needs.