Rules of Editing – Part I

DISCLAIMER: This post is meant to be humorous and in no way constitutes actual editing rules to live by (well, maybe a few). I just thought I’d put something together to make you laugh at my expense during my final edit of The Vampyre Prophecy.

So, go forth, laugh, enjoy, COMMENT. I swear, it’s like I’d have to sell my soul to get y’all to comment…

Rule #1 in final editing stage: don’t read the editor’s smartass comments while taking a drink. *cough cough*

I’m getting smacked for the word “while.” And I’m getting a “Kill it with fire!” LMAO!

Rule #2 in final edit stage: when your eyes start crossing, it’s time to step away from the book and go to bed!

Rule #3 in final edit stage: the editor is always right….correct….almost always correct….oh fine, always correct.

Rule #4 in final edit stage: alcohol is always necessary. Be sure to stock up. *takes a swig*

Rule #5 in the final edit stage: distractions are bad. Stay away from social media…………*runs away*

Rule #6 in final edit: know that it’s difficult for ANYONE to edit an old piece, and that it’s NOT complete crap and you CAN make it work.

Rule #7 in final edit: whether you have children (age doesn’t matter) or care for a parent, expect distractions…always.

Rule #8 during final edit: NOT sitting at your computer will NOT move the edit forward.

Rule #9 of final edit: try not to yell at your editor, but if you do, at least come up with creative ways to do so.

Rule #10 of final edit: acknowledge when your editor is correct, which is pretty much all the time.

Rule #11 in final edit stage: learn when to totally steal something from your editor…or whoever. And do it correctly and without getting caught.

Rule #12 of final edit: try not to pull your hair out and think, “God, when will it ever end?”

Rule #13 in final edit: unfortunately, editing jobs come up and you have to set aside your MS for a short time, but hey! Now you have money! =D

To be continued…

Stay tuned for a first chapter sample from The Vampyre Prophecy tomorrow!