eBook Writing - The Importance of Proof Reading and Revision – 7 Key Points

Proof reading, editing and revising your manuscript is an essential component of the writing process. Set goals and have a plan before you begin. In fact, once you have established the “best plan” for you and your eBook, then you can easily implement the exact same process for future eBooks thus removing the doubt and pressure of what is required during this stage.

1. Look at Editing as an Opportunity Not a Chore!

It is a great achievement to finish your first draft. Authors tend to be perfectionists who always see the need for change in their work. As a result, many continue to revise in search of that perfect book or eBook. This is where many authors get into trouble as the process of change for a manuscript can be never ending. You must get to a point where you publish your manuscript.

The process of reviewing and editing your eBook, whether fiction or non-fiction, should be looked at as an opportunity to improve on what you have written. You may see the need to provide more facts to back up your advice or opinions. You may feel that with some chapters you have not been able to clearly explain the message that you want the reader to receive.

Use the revision opportunity to “tweak” your manuscript before publishing. But remember, at some point, you must stop making constant changes and publish your eBook!

2. Have You Delivered on Your Promise?

I have a professional editor review all of my eBooks. Their role is to proof read and suggest changes where needed with regards to spelling, grammar, flow and the overall structure of the content.

When I proof read my first draft, I often begin by answering this very simple question; “Have I delivered on what I have promised to the reader?”

I begin with the chapter titles and then address the major points within each chapter. Have I provided unique, accurate and expert advice that will help solve the reader's problem or satisfy their needs and wants?

For fiction authors it is a matter of asking if you are happy with the story, characters and the plot that has evolved. Do you capture the reader's attention from the very first sentence? Will they have a pleasurable reading experience from reading your novel? If you have written a romance novel, have you ticked off all the key points that makes a great romance novel and meets the emotional expectations of the reader?

3. Procrastination Gets You No Where!

Upon completing your first draft, you may be exhausted and have little motivation to begin the process of reviewing and editing your manuscript. Some authors want to jump into the revision process immediately. Either way, take a week off from writing and working on your manuscript to refresh your mind. Then come back and begin the process. This week off could be the time when you have some one read over your manuscript and provide feedback from a reader's perspective. This will help you when it comes time to revision.

4. Reviewer's Block Can Be Frustrating!

In order to produce a final manuscript you need to have some input from an editor who has the right qualifications to offer constructive criticism and be able to identify the style and conceptual issues that need addressing.

What proof reading from another person does, is give you a fresh perspective, and provides comments on issues that you would have never picked up on by yourself. It is the advice from someone else that will stimulate you and get you past that “mental block” when reviewing your own writing.

5. Revision is a Process!

Set goals for how much of your manuscript you will review each day or week. It could be one chapter of maybe two. The point is to make sure that you are giving the attention to detail that you can only do with a fresh mind.

When you start to skip sections because you believe that you are happy with what you have written, and that it doesn't need reviewing, is a sign that the reviewing process is one that is starting to bore you.

6. Now is the Time to Publish?

Are you an author who will never publish? Will you ever be satisfied with your final draft? I am one who has always struggled with submitting my eBooks for publication because I always feel that I can change, revise or add new content.

7. Completion Doesn't Exist for Authors!

Writers and authors will always feel that they have more to write. Constantly going back over your manuscript won't help you get to the finishing line of publication. Have a plan and stick to how many times you review and edit your eBook and how many people you will have proof read and edit your manuscript.

Who Can You Ask to Edit Your eBook?

There are a number of editing services offered by companies on the internet. Unfortunately, they can be very expensive and just not an option for a first time author on a limited budget.

So try asking a friend who has a degree in English or a comparative literary degree. Maybe you know a teacher who has a strong back ground in spelling, grammar and writing?

Conclusion:
Have a plan, set goals, ask the right person to review your manuscript, and accept that there must be an end point to the endless process of change!

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