How to Own Your Editing Process as an Author - & Actually Have Fun!

[@Amy_Mi6]

Idk if it was a conscious decision on Abbie's part to pronounce "discourage" as DIS-courage, but it totally gives it new meaning. Makes it feel like being discouraged is an active/willfull decision to be "anti" courage... #ItsTheLittleThings

[@sheaszpila4491]

My favorite inspiration for romanticizing my writing/editing is a great scene from Little Women (2019) where Jo edits her manuscript, and the soundtrack title "Jo Writes." It's awesome and always gets me in the mood to write (:

[@LV-bk4it]

Writing is the rush but editing is where I get to add the details for ambience and figurative language for interest. It's like trimming the Christmas tree - when is it "enough?" You just know. Too much tinsel? Throw it out. Insufficient depth? Dig deeper. It's like having a skeleton to drape muscle, sinew, and skin onto to create whatever you want your reader to feel - goodness, I need to start writing again!

[@marygregoriy2244]

I LOOOOVE editing! someone else said it's the chance to really dig into your story and add details and flesh to the characters. I often edit as I go, I love it so much. Still, I am going to watch this video. Thank you both so much. You are inspirational. xx

[@bethf1580]

That was great! Thank you! I'm going to use that protagonist energy for everything I'm struggling to find the motivation to do this summer. Also, my goal is to finish the first draft of my novel (that I'm writing by hand) done by June 1st so I can work on transcribing it into the computer for editing during the writing retreat (I have a lot of stuff to move around and add which will be easier in Scrivener and will probably do micro edits on paper like you suggested. We'll see). I'm so excited! :D

[@kcherbel9230]

Not sure why, but this felt like one of your best episodes yet! Maybe because it's reached (or almost reached) that 100 mark. Looking forward to 100. Making editing something other than a soul-sucking chore is an awesome idea. I will be trying some of these ideas the next time I'm in a big editing cycle. So glad you tackled this. Thank you!

[@anniek1746]

I feel like im the only one who prefers editing over writing hahaha I just love correcting myself I guess ;) I would love to maybe get to know you two better in a q&a for the 100th episode!!

[@gra.e.p7628]

I’ve just finished the main draft of my WIP and am procrastinating editing 😅 and this video was extremely helpful!

[@warmflash]

I love editing and re-writing.

[@lindagutierrez5409]

I love editing! I’ve been able to recycle chapters I thought weren’t working, saved me time. Didn’t have to do a complete rewrite.

[@blueravenfire]

yeah, i will admit i don't like to do editing as much as writing, but the tips in this video have been really helpful to enjoy the process more. so thanks a lot for this video!

[@PaulRWorthington]

For the big episode 100, it would be great if we could... Meet The Parents! Really. You two are great. Makes me very curious about those who raised you.

[@azriel9499]

I've been trying to improve my editing skills this year, and I have several editing projects on the plate, but I've been struggling to get the motivation to work on it. So, this episode has been a fantastic help! I'm gonna be writing a novella during the first half of June, so I may tackle some editing during the second half. I'd love more content on editing in the future, if you have any more advice to give!

[@SubscriptionUnboxing]

Wow, this is so helpful! I love the whole printing off idea and romanticizing your life as the main character

[@lindagutierrez5409]

Now I want to visit Vermont! I have orchards behind me here in California, that are wonderful. But would like to travel.

[@Ruthie888]

Thank you for helping me!

[@siennagypsy6502]

thanks this great editing can be hard would love some tips about grammar what you use to help I love writing but suffer with dyslexia and processing disorder at the moment I'm using pro writing aid haven't worked out scrivener3 yet

[@Sammiew913]

Hey guys! 100th episode idea: Would love if it was an extra-long episode, maybe an hour? You could cover multiple topics or answer viewer questions that may or may not have anything to do with writing. Would also like a segment on the reasons why you both love writing, and what about it is fun and brings you joy. Much love to you both!

[@spacewhales2118]

I think I actually like editing and feel a lot of potential to be a really good editor. Just gotta believe! I think I like editing cause I enjoy watching my story and manuscript grow.

[@milomazli]

Celebration episode idea: episode about how to celebrate small steps (although 100th episode is a BIG milestone, congrats!). I personally plan on celebrating alone when I finally publish my first book,as I actually feel I have been my biggest fan (and I am not saying this sadly, but as stg positive, I am super happy that I do this/did this on my own!) how do YOU celebrate your big and small steps? I am super curious to know!

[@johnsmith1375]

Omg Abbie is sooooo beautiful!

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Also, I was unable to see when I was out now. Most of the traffic was a blur.

[@luanagonzalez5441]

I need this so bad! I am 18 and i am editing my first fantasy book on a trilogy!! This podcast and the chanel of the two of you have help me a lot!!

[@katiejayne7698]

Thank you for this episode, ladies. I'm currently working the 3rd draft of my WIP and I've been avoiding it because I got stuck in chapter 8 because it was a fighting scene (I'm a noob when it comes to fights lol) 😆 I do find it very amusing that you encourage a writing ritual to get you creatively ready to write...buuuut you don't have children (I would be shocked if yall were single, though, because both of you are gorgeous and ridiculously talented) I have two kids, four and under and stay home to care for them. Typically, I have my computer open on the dining room table and plop down and type furiously whenever I can. No ritual, unless you count noticing that the kids are contentedly occupied.🤣🤣I usually get a good chunk of writing done during my youngest child's nap, which is a blessing. I wish I had time to light a smelly-goody candle and enjoy fresh beverage SLOWLY, but...I make time to write between diaper changes, meal/snack prep, dishes, and everything else. Again, thanks so much for your encouragement, inspiration, and ideas. Enjoy your singleness and your freedom to write and be creative.

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

Finding an editor is like finding a needle in a hay stack. I've talked to other authors on how they found an editor. They for the most part won't say as if it is a huge secret. The other is finding Beta readers. I've given my stories to Beta readers but they never respond or get back to me. Even if I follow up with them. I have many stories from over the years but they are stuck in binders. I keep hitting wall after wall, when it comes to finding an editor. Like you have both mentioned I've asked others and as I said they won't say, they just say google it, and its a huge secret. Plus, I can't afford to pay a huge amount for editing. I've been forced to edit my own works. But I need other eyes reviewing. As I can see the story in my head and I see it when I reread, whereas if I gave it to someone who has no clue of the story they'd see it in a different view and I'd be able to see if the story flows or not. Help!

[@anicastro6920]

Did you - Did you know? Hehehe. Thanks, these have been SOOOO helpful during my writing process :))

[@aluhvsickstay]

The thing is I'm writing in a setting that is unfamiliar to me like I do know a thing or two but not fully. And I would not be as excited to write in a different setting than the one I already have in mind. Can anyone give some tips as to how I can set my story in a country I've never visited?

[@hglundahl]

Perhaps not all of your celebration video, but a part : blog to book, especially non-fiction!

[@Alexindiegamedev]

I tend to edit as I go on a second/final draft and think of it as polishing the story and adding needed details.

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Also, I crashed into vehicles and they sped by very close sometimes.

[@audreymaccready5778]

Yeay, Base Camp on Everest!

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Why is it still happening.

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Mark can read.

[@gregorwalton]

Some great, inspirational stuff, here. I like the idea of drafting as building the house and editing as making it into a home

[@sarafreitas6988]

These are great advices for editing, I really enjoy how you make everything so simple. I will join the writing retreat. :)

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Katy can read the things given to her.

[@milomazli]

Love this! Also: love your bandana, Kate and love your shirt & new hair Abbie ❤️

[@jonathanbaumler]

I’m so excited for the photography and for the writing retreat videos! 😊

[@jonathanbaumler]

Also, printing out my story/manuscript is the best way for me to fully sit and engage with it. I write a lot out on paper before I even get it into the computer to begin with. Sitting in front of a screen can really (oftentimes) seem like a chore, whereas the hands on experience of holding your story and turning the pages really brings everything to life.

[@jonathanbaumler]

I’m trying to get better at being in front of the screen, but it’s just not the same as holding your story. I’m the same way with reading books. I’m either listening or holding and reading. 😆

[@juliannaleclair]

this one looks so interesting! thank you

[@christopherbrainard1890]

I feel Ive been lacking motivation to edit lately. Are there any other YA authors that want to form a group where we can do weekly checkins and just keep each other going??

[@ally__jr]

I like how Abbie just smiles subconscious while Kate does sth sthupid,

[@ally__jr]

🤔 subconsciously

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

I’m still unable to breathe. Fix it.

[@datepicboi4870]

First comment!