Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing

Like so many people, I have a dream of someday writing the great American novel. I've been working on mine for several years, during which time, I've taken tons of classes, participated in writing critique groups, and read lots of books on craft. In December, I finally finished my first draft and prepared to start the editing process. To do so, I went out and bought a couple of highly rated books on the topic (of course!). But, it was slow and tedious work and I just always felt like I wasn't sure I was doing it right or focusing on the right things. Some of the editing books were short (maybe too short) and sweet and got right to the point, but they felt a bit lightweight and I couldn't get over the feeling that I was missing something. Some were longer and more detailed, but they were too dense, too lofty, too "literary" (and not in a good way). I could barely force myself to read them and wasn't sure I was getting the full picture when I did. Then someone recommended this book and THANK GOD!This is the best book on editing I've read so far. It feels thorough. It gives me a concrete plan of attack for my work. Gives me good questions to ask to help me identify weak points. The examples are excellent and really illustrate the points and I love that the author uses books, movies and popular tv shows. Using a broad array of media in the examples ensures that usually I will be familiar with at least one of them, so I have a better sense of the point she's trying to make. Also, this is meaty, but it's an easy read. I can zip right through it and the points stick with me, instead of laboring over a chapter and then trying to remember what I read. I don't know if it's the best editing book out there because obviously, I can't read them all. But it's definitely the best I've come across so far and like a lot of writers, I tend to hoard books, particularly books on craft, so I do have more than my fair share.So, the bad news is after reading this I realize how much work I have to do to whip my draft into shape. But the good news is that I know exactly where it needs that work and how to fix it. I love this book so much that I honestly wish I'd read it before I started writing. If I had, I think I'd have written a much stronger first draft to begin with. But luckily, it's not too late,

If you are looking for a practical, approachable, and fearless way to edit your own work, stop reading this review and buy this book. Editing a novel or other longer work is a monumental task, but Tiffany breaks down the process and shares her own approach to editing, which makes the whole task seem a lot less daunting.I liked how she used the analogy of building a house to editing. First you have to have the foundation in place (structure), then the framework (plot, character, stakes), then all the plumbing and wiring (tension, point of view, suspense, pace), then finally, the fun part, decorating (line edits, polishing your prose). It stressed the importance of editing in order, because if you spend a lot of time polishing your prose, then go back and decide to axe some scenes because they don't belong in the foundation, then you've just wasted all that time fixing sentences that you end up deleting.The one thing that Tiffany wrote that really resonated with me is that you have to be your own champion. You have to believe in your work and yourself in order to get through the editing process, because it's where a lot of writers give up. I have several trunked novels that could benefit from a good edit, but at the time I wrote them, the whole process seemed insurmountable. Now, with this book, I feel more empowered and ready to tackle something that I've just walked away from before.Tiffany also has great tips on how to work with and find critique partners, writing groups, and beta readers. She gives advice on how to find, vet, and work with a professional editor. If you've been putting off editing your own work because you think you can't, or because you're afraid, this book will change everything.

This is an excellent book for writers who have finished their first manuscript, and want to know “What now?” So much of the literature encourages you to write, write, write, with reckless abandon. But then what? There are other books on various aspects of editing, including a short one that functions more like a list. This book is the best that I have encountered and now is my “go to book” for being serious about editing.Not only does the author lay out an overall approach to editing (multiple passes), she also breaks down the major components of it, from the macro edits of the “holy trinity” of storytelling: Character, Stakes, and Plot, to the micro edits that strengthen these elements and the overall story, including Suspense and Tension, Point of View, Showing and Telling, Structure, Momentum and Pace, and Voice. She also covers Line Editing and Getting Feedback on one’s manuscript.Besides the thorough approach to editing, her explanations of the concepts are clear. For example, she explains Momentum and Pace by the statements “both Niagara Falls and the Mississippi River have momentum, but each is moving at very different paces.” She adds, momentum is a function of story, pace is a function of scene.Often she illustrates concepts through bad and better worded examples.Her style is engaging and humorous in places.After reading her book, while I still have to steel myself for editing the 450 page manuscript, at least now I won’t be as clueless as I was when I too asked myself, and many other people, what now!To the author—THANK YOU.

There's so much to think about after you've drafted a book and Tiffany's approach provides a framework that will keep you on track.Big picture edits come first (plot, character, stakes). The chapters on POV and voice are fantastic. The end of the book is reserved for those nagging line edits and there's even a chapter on handling critiques.This is a book I'll refer to often.

Straight forward and comprehensive, it offers a balanced—not dogmatic—approach to editing. It covers developmental edits as well as line, with a warm easy tone.

Finally a helpful book that teaches you how to actually edit your book when you have finished the first draft, or consecutive drafts. It tells you what to look for to ensure you have all the deep devopmental issues fixed first. A book everyone should have on their shelf.

Not finished the book yet, but I am very thrilled I got it!Just one complaint (and it has nothing to do with the writer or the books contents) - I wish the text would be bigger in the paperback. I really had to focus a lot to read because of the text size. Otherwise, I think its a great book!

hands down the most practical book I purchased in 2020. As a first time book writer (nonfiction) Yates Martin's book walked me through the 'big picture' (macroedits) to focus on, followed by the micro/line edits. We basically go inside the head of an established and experienced book editor to understand what keeps readers engaged while also plugging any holes in the story, character, etc. It was exactly what I needed to take my manuscript from "done" to "polished" and, hopefully, a book that will be a page turner. I felt great knowing that my editor will have a more polished version to work with, which will ultimately hopefully lead to a better book. THANKS TIFFANY!!

I have bought many writing craft books over the years. Creation has never been a problem for me, but I do find editing a real drag and have left many manuscripts gathering dust because I can't face it! Intuitive editing is by far the most thorough and useful book on the subject that I have read. if you're sick of hearing the phrase 'show, don't tell' without fully appreciating its meaning (although I swear I believed I did understand before!) this book will provide you with vivid examples and suggestions. The section on characters alone is worth the price of the book. I am due to publish my second novel this year and am forever learning. Highly recommend to any writer who is trying to do better and be better.