times do professional writers edit?

I never stop editing my work. I can't help but check over the previous days work before I start .... and always edit.

I then edit NUMEROUS times when the work is complete. I really can't say how many, probably five or six complete checks. I cut away all excess baggage, every word has to count otherwise it's thrown out. I check grammar, spelling and consistency of names and words. I make sure all loose ends are tied up, make sure any changes have been smoothly incorporated.

On the day my last novel was to be handed over to the publisher, I changed the first three pages - PANIC!!!

I edited and changed the end pages even whilst the publisher's editor was checking.

Editing is an ongoing process, it's what moves a story from the realms of amateur scribblings into that of a professional. Polishing your work is vital to make it acceptable to a reader. Hone, hone and hone again. Make your work gleam before offering it to the public - they'll tear it to pieces if you don't.



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