Relaxing between edits

It’s important to have some time away from the first draft of my crime novel

  • Posted On: 9 July 2025
Relaxing between edits

Guidance generally suggests leaving the draft of a manuscript for anything between a few days and a few months before beginning to edit. I find a week or two works for me. Because I reread and correct as I go along, my first draft is usually in pretty good shape with regard to the plot threads and characters. So, for me the first edit will not involve a major restructuring, but it does require detailed scrutiny to check the plot remains consistent throughout and there are no discrepancies regarding timelines, descriptions of characters etc. Of course, further rounds of up to five edits and proofreading will follow to sort out any grammatical errors and typos, before the manuscript is formatted and ready for publication. Then there's the cover, but that's another story.

A week or two away from the first draft is an excellent opportunity to take a break before the editing begins, and what could be more relaxing than a day out at a lavender farm?

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