My Simple Method for editing my novel working a full-time job

I think one of the greatest achievements you can do is write a novel.  If you did, congratulations!  You followed through on finishing a goal of yours.

It’s one thing to finish your novel, but it is another to edit your novel in the hopes that one day you will publish it.

So how, exactly, do you take the time to do that if you have a full-time job?

Preparation is the Answer

​What do you want to happen?

Figure out what’s next.  If you want to edit, do it.

Set aside time to edit your novel.   

I’ve seen a ton of videos where people get up early to edit.  

There’s no right time to edit your novel as long as you are holding yourself accountable.

 My method for editing

Instead of editing, sitting at my computer desk or bed in the morning or getting up extra early, I print out my chapters.  I put the chapters in a manila folder and take them to work.

If I do have time, I edit in between taking calls as a licensed insurance agent.

But, if I do not, I try to do a little here and there or during my lunch.

The reason I do it this way is that I find it easier to read what I have written.  I use a pencil to edit. 

After I edited that chapter, I put it in another manila folder.

Eventually, I plan to have someone read my novel. 

And I may hire someone when it’s time for final edits. 

When is the best time to hire someone to edit?

You can hire someone to edit your novel the moment you finish.  However, if you haven’t had the chance to review your work prior to hiring an editor, you could end up paying more.

Depending on the type of edits you need, it can alter the price range.  If you take the time to edit prior to hiring someone, it can make all the difference in how much you end up spending.

Currently, I am on a budget (I want to pay off my student loans). So self-edits are in my price range.

Once I feel that I am almost done paying them off, I will more than be happy to hire someone to look over my work.  

I wouldn’t mind hiring someone because I would be more at ease that I am free of debt, I am saving money, and I could possibly officially become a published author.

Overview of editing your story

Writing your novel is a major accomplishment.  What you want to happen next is up to you?

Sometimes, people write stories so that they are the only ones who ever read.  While others wait until their series is complete, until they publish it.

Regardless of the choices you make, taking time to edit is an achievement in itself.   

Where would your story end up if you finished editing it?