When is enough, enough?
Posted by Tricia on 16 Mar 2008 | Tagged as: Writing Life
I’m talking about editing and revising a manuscript. When do you know when to call a halt?
Now, I’m one of those weird writers who love the process of editing and revision. I love the opportunity to work with editors who really know their stuff and challenge me to push myself. There’s the chance to strengthen, polish and polish some more. Wonderful. But when to stop?
Repetitive phrases, frequently used words (mine seem to change with each manuscript, so they sneak in and I’m often not aware until an editor points them out), too many adjectives, adverbs, etc. You name it and I imagine we’ve all been there. My particular nemesis is the dear old ellipsis. I reckon I’m in the running for Ellipsis Queen of Publishing, or at least a main contender.
So, I go through the manuscript with a fine toothcomb…and I go through it again…then again…and maybe again…and just once more for luck (see what I mean about the ellipsis) and finally hold my breath and shoot it away for the final time. Then I start to think maybe I could have changed that word, amended that sentence, and it all starts over again.
All part of being a writer, of course … and that’s one thing I wouldn’t change. Ever.
Tricia, I may give you a run for the Queen of Ellipsis crown! I use them all the time…everywhere…it is an addiction.
Ree
March 16th, 2008 at 12:46 pmFor me, it’s enough when I hate the sight of the ms
Really-that’s enough for me to send it out to my cp’s or my editor. And deadlines help you make that decision as well 
March 17th, 2008 at 11:13 amI think it’s possible to over edit. There is a point in time when you’ve gone over it so often you can no longer see it clearly.
For me, the point to send it out is when I’ve read it out loud and can’t think of anything else to add or redefine.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pmSometimes enough is enough when you start changing lines back to the way they were before. : )
But when the plot holes are filled in, the characters resonate, and the typos are caught, that’s a great time to quit.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm