To clarify from my last post, this image represents how much my editor shot up my story. 🙂

Step seven in the writing to publishing process of your novel is easy. Revise your novel by making the changes highlighted by your content or line editor. Hopefully, they will be easy to fix. But maybe they highlighted a common writing error you make. Or perhaps they noticed a plot hole or an entire chapter that could be improved.

Either way, take their suggestions with an open mind while also keeping your voice and the story true to what you want it to be.

The first time I got a manuscript back from a content editor, I was crushed. There were so many red lines and several chapters that needed improvement. To be truthful, she had to educate me on the proper way to create a story arc. After getting over my hard feelings, I realized she was right and made most of the changes. My first novel is now ten times better than it was before.

Not all your editor’s feedback will be applicable. This same editor also suggested changing my main character. Although I agreed he needed to be improved, I did not like her suggestions. An editor for my second novel suggested renaming some people because she thought they were too complicated. I disagreed. It’s okay to disagree. Just make sure you’re not disagreeing because you’re defensive about the feedback. The editors are there to help you. It’s in both of your best interest to make your novel the best it can be.

What has your experience been with a content or line editor? How much of your novel did you need to revise? What improvements did they suggest? I look forward to hearing from you!