To continue with the theme of editing this month I came across an excellent video on YouTube where writer David Farland gives a talk that describes his editing process.
Farland breaks his editing down into 6 separate processes/types of edit:
1. Triage
2. Voice Edit
3. Descriptive Edit
4. Shotgun
5. Syllabic
6. Line Edit
It’s a very interesting talk, and yes, it is long. So grab a coffee, your notebook and pen and enjoy. A lot of what he said made total sense to me, although the idea of editing my MS 6 times is a little daunting! Lol
I think I’m beginning to know where to start now. How about you?
Related articles
- Why I Use Kindle to Edit My Drafts (michaeljholley.com)
- Learning to Love the Editing Process? (cultofajracewood.wordpress.com)
The View Outside 
If you liked the video, you should sign up for Dave’s Daily Kick newsletter. He has some really good tips. Plus he just released an ebook for editing.
And 6 times is daunting, but I’m probably on edit number 12 (story has changed drastically from the very 1st draft). Don’t give up!! It will be worth it.
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Oooooo, thanks Melanie, will check that out! š
Really? OMG! *gulps* lol
Thanks honey, I WILL get there š
Xx
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6 times?! That just overwhelms me to think about.
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Doesn’t it CC! š¦
But, he definitely had some valid points on WHY you should break it down like that.
Xx
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Fantastic. I’m going to recommend this video to all of my friends who write.
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Thanks honey š
It’s definitely a brilliant video!
Xx
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Reblogged this on Self-Publish 101.
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Thank you š
Xx
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Hee hee, I don’t want to tell you what # editing I’m on. I’m always ‘improving’. someday, it will have to stop. I’m reblogging this by the way. š
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He he he!
Well, hopefully, I’m gunna take David’s advice and stop at 6! š But I’ll let you know lol
Awwww, thanks honey xx
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Reblogged this on J. Keller Ford ~ Author and commented:
I enjoyed this post on The View Outside so much, I thought I would share the info with all of you. Great information!
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Thanks Jenny š
Xx
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Reblogged this on Joshua Lisec.
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Thanks Joshua! š
Xx
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Thanks for this Vikki. Now I’m away to check out his newsletter. xxx
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Good luck Edith, and you’re welcome š
Xx
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I’m intrigued! Haven’t listened to it yet but will set aside some time later…
Sandra š
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It’s very good Sandra!
Hope you find it helpful š
Xx
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Excellent, Vikki! I used to think I over-edited, but not any more š
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You’re welcome Dianne š
Yeah, there does seem to be a very fine line doesn’t there! š¦
Xx
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Thank you for posting this video, Vikki! I read this guy’s book and absolutely love it. As I am doing the final edit for This Broken Earth (the compendium edition) I am reading his book again. Great advice.
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Thanks Roger š
David really does take his editing seriously doesn’t he!
Xx
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This should be helpful! I often have a difficult time with the editing process
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Hope it helps Katie š
Good luck!
Xx
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Reblogged this on Pat Fitzhugh and commented:
I’ve been laughed at, giggled at, snickered at, and even received obscene gestures for what I’m about to say, but it’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Ready? Ok. “Writing is 30 percent creating your story and committing it to paper (or digital media), and 70 percent revision–editing.”
Much has been said about editing, but not enough. This David Farland video says a lot. Check it out.
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Thanks Pat š
I totally agree!
Xx
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That is a long video, so I’ve worked it into my schedule for Wednesday evening š x
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I know, but soooo worth it! I made lots of notes š
Do let me know what you think Peter.
Xx
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Don’t worry I will. I’ve got a fair bit of editing in the next year so all the tips are going to be welcome š
X
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I’m going to make some time to watch this. My current editing process involves even more passes than that … so this could really be helpful. I would love to Finish editing someday!
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Do let me know what you think Kirsten š
Would love to hear whether you found it useful xx
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