Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.

~ John W. Howell
Photo by Hannah Grace on Unsplash

This post was initially run on November 7th, 2016. However, life is still the same, and I hope you enjoy it again.

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The inspiration for this list is, well, frankly, my latest labor over the editing process. I hope you enjoy the list, and I have done some of these things.

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.

10 If you are editing, do not think glasses of wine make the work go easier. If you do, at best, you’ll just have to do it over. At worst, you might inadvertently delete several chapters of your book under the belief that you have better ones in mind. (Aren’t you glad you had that backup file Goof-ball?)

9 If you are editing, do not think you can watch the football game while you work. If you do, at best, you will catch all your mistakes on the second go around. At worst, you think you found them all only to discover in reading a review the question, “What does a touchdown have to do with the relationship?” (Hmm, you can explain that, can’t you, Bunkie?)

8 If you are editing, do not decide to change a character’s name with “find and replace.” If you do, At best, you’ll catch the ones missed. At worst, you will have a new character named JerryTinyO.” (That extra space sure made a difference. Oh, and Tiny would like to see you. He’s over at the gym straightening out horseshoes.)

7 If you are editing, do not believe long breaks will enhance your work. If you do, at best, you will be editing this book forever. At worst, your continuity will go out the window, and your book will read like a short story collection. (You had not intended to publish short stories, did you, Ferd?”)

6 If you are editing, do not ask your friends to read the new edits. If you do, at best, the opinions will be so varied you’ll be confused. At worst, you will realize you need new friends and a new book. (You now wish you had just given it to an editor, right?)

5 If you are editing, do not try to do the whole thing in one sitting. If you do, at best, you will be exhausted. At worst, you may stop caring how the stupid book comes out and just want to get the damn thing done. (Your two-star reviews aren’t much of a reward, are they?)

4 If you are editing, do not snack to reduce stress. If you do, at best, you’ll need extra exercise hours. At worst, your snacking will resemble a runaway train from which there is no return. (Getting a grip is much more complicated when more of you, isn’t it?)

3 If you are editing, do not believe the rest of the family understands your pain. If you do, at best, you’ll feel misunderstood. At worst, you will constantly think of ways to take your angst out on your characters. (This book has taken on a sinister air, hasn’t it, Stephen?)

2 If you are editing, do not abandon personal hygiene. If you do, at best, you will be alone. At worst, your family could seek council with the local mental health provider, and you’ll get more help than you need. (You can still type with that white jacket on. Right, Buford?)

1 If you are editing, know when it is time to stop. If you don’t, at best, you will never finish the book. At worst, you will suffer PETS (Post Editing Traumatic Syndrome) and never sleep again. (You need to stop going over the text in your head. It has been published already.)

100 thoughts on “Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.”

  2. Dear John,
    therefore one has an editor. But there are other dangers, f.e. falling in love with your editor (quite usual for authors, see Max Frisch’s “Montauk”).
    Wishing you an easy week and happy editing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  9. This is a great (and timely) list John. Mea culpa on number 8 – I did that recently, and the old guy is still here. I guess I need the “and look in the corners” option for Search.

    I hope you have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. All good advice here, John 🙂 I did try changing a name that way, then forever searching for that new word it created.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Great ones and all true. I might add one – if you are editing your book, be sure to get up and walk around every hour or you will be frozen in your chair and have to be pried out!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. 😂😂😂 Saint Truth, dear John. I’m preparing for this painful work soon. The book about Gregory & Peter is moving on well. Wonderful hours of editing & translation into English, French, Russian are ahead. My last worry IF my Italian editor comprehend well what I have done. 😪😪😪
    I wish you less painful editing time for ever! 🍤🍻

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Ha. Enjoyed my “editing” refresher. Think that I have succumbed to many of these “Not To’s” at some point or another. (Apart from the American football one- only those “American” can understand why people watch such a boring game- Controversial-huh? just wait till the next bit) but I would suggest adding another to this list.
    (Now comes the controversy) Never hire a professional editor.
    I have hired a couple and had others foist upon me by publishers and mags. Some have been perfectly capable, others, grammar checkers and bad plotters. Yet they rarely understand what you (the author) wish to do with what you have written.

    Liked by 1 person

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