Guide on Editing for New Authors (Applicable for All Levels)
In today's 'everyone's a writer' culture, the notion that 'anyone can do it' has become prevalent. However, writing a book is not merely a matter of putting words on paper; it's more akin to raising a child, requiring time, energy, attention, and respect.
The journey of becoming a writer is often a long and arduous one. Take, for instance, Emma Cline, who spent several years crafting her debut novel, "The Girls." Similarly, Gabriel Tallent took eight years to create the final draft of "My Absolute Darling." Even renowned authors like Alberto Giacometti, known for his autobiographical text from 1946, worked on his manuscript over several years, with the publication coming much later in 2005.
Patience and perseverance are key to navigating this challenging path. Michael Mohr, offering advice to new writers, emphasises the importance of not rushing the writing process. In contrast, many new writers expect one developmental edit to be sufficient for their novel, but the reality is that the process often involves multiple revisions and drafts.
Stephanie Danler is another example of an author who persevered through numerous drafts to create "Sweetbitter." Christian Picciolini, an ex-neo-Nazi skinhead, also worked tirelessly on his book, "White American Youth," before its release in early 2018.
Becoming a writer can be achieved through various means. Some may choose to attend college or professional workshops, while others find success through constant reading and daily writing. Regardless of the path taken, respect for the craft of writing is essential.
In conclusion, the road to becoming a writer is a long and winding one, filled with patience, perseverance, and a deep respect for the craft. Whether you choose to attend college, participate in workshops, or simply immerse yourself in books and daily writing, the key is to never give up on your dream.
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