Mumsnet Talk

I have just completed the first draft of my first novel

I know I need to edit, but how long should I spend editing it? How do I know it is any good (I swing between thinking it is great and a load of rubbish)? How many times should I edit?

I would like it done and dusted by September as I either want to try and publish or move on to my next idea. It is 72,000 words

September will give you heaps of time to edit...could bring that forward and sub in, say June? Before the hols?

Anyhow. My advice is to put away for a week.
Then come back and re read from start to finish.
If possible get a trusted reader to do the same thing. I find it impossible to edit on a macro level and have no idea if the thing works as a whole.
Work on what's not working as a whole.
Plot, structure, characters, setting, sub plots, voice etc.

Then and only then read your book scene by scene. Ask yourself if each one earns its place. Could the book manage without it? If so what's it doing there? Ask what small story is being told in your scene. Where's the arc?

Last of all start editing the writing. My experience is that those who start at this point (a temptation I know) never get to grips with the WIP as a whole and often get bogged down in the minutae etc.

Thanks wordfactory

Good advice! I have two kids, so finding the time is hard. Should anything come of this I shall be looking into childcare!