Omar L. RashedRashed Lights Wayswww.rashedlightsways.com
Road Map & Travel Guide
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First Acknowledgments
Polishing for Self Publishing - Rashed Lights Ways www.rashedlightsways.com
Baton Rouge Writers Workshop [BRWW].http://www.rashedlightsways.com/baton-rouge-writers-workshop/
I developed this presentation to share what I’ve learned, and to help others on their journey.If you share materials from this presentation, in part or whole, please mention the source:
www.rashedlightsways.com Thank you for taking care of this gift.
If you found this useful, please share.
If it benefited you, I’d love to hear how.
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“Share the good news”
Caring For The Given Gift
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1. Editing Road Map: Shape & Clean
Shaping the RoughA. Developmental Editing: Shaping overall structureB. Line Editing: Ensuring strong story flow
Cleaning the RoughC. Copy Editing: Tighten words & sentencesD. Proofreading: Spell check that works E. Synchronizing: Consistent and Standardized
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1A. Developmental EditingDevelopmental editing is shaping the overall, broad structure and flow of a piece.
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Re-arranging, Removing extra clutter Putting the best parts in the best places
Make the best piece.
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1B. Line EditingLine Editing is ensuring strong story flow
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Was this plot point introduced too early? Are you giving away too much too soon? Is this too slow?
Better story, better piece.
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1C. Copy EditingCopy editing is tightening writing (copy).
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Cleaning words, sentences, and paragraphs. Looking at diction (word choice), syntax, sentence structure Cut all fat Wordsmithing
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1D. ProofreadingProofreading is Spell Check that works.
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Thinks More than one way to say it: Which fits?
Understands Meaning beneath the words: Which
rises? Grows
Many styles: Carry yours through
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1E. SynchronizingSynchronizing is ensuring internal consistency and standardized writing.
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Naming conventions Capitalization of words & terms Punctuation usage
You made your world; Keep it straight!
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2. Editing Routes: All Roads to Rome
How do YOU want to go?
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A. Scenic Path Do what you can, as much as you
can, on your own
B. Direct Path Need it done yesterday.
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2A: Scenic Path
Do what you can, as much as you can, on your own
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Strolling: Stop and smell the roses.
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2B: Direct Path
Hand off!Let stars play game daySo your team wins big
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Rushing: Clock is ticking.
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2C. Decisions: Still in the Game!Where Are You NOW? How Do YOU Start?
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Wherever you are, pick your pathScenic Direct
PROs CONs PROs CONsLearning EXP Incomplete Better Editing TrustConvenient Time Expense Accountability Cost
Your Time SavedEdited FasterImpartial
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2D. SuggestionDo Both. Scenic & Direct.
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- Do as much as you can, given your existing skill, comfort level, and proficiency.
- Hand off for the rest.
In the end, you NEED an impartial opinion.
Invest in YOUR GEM. It’s worth it.“Everything of value is worth
polishing.”
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3: Virtual Tour: See the Process
“It’s Beautiful: Let it shine”
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Well come along! Watch and walk lively
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3A: Begin With a Path
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Complimentary Consult: Write Your Dreams.
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3B: Development Edit: Memo
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After 2 read-throughs, a memo of first ideas:
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3B: Development Edit: Explaining
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Showing the System the Editor uses
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3B: Development Edit: Example
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Applying the System to the Writing
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3C: Copy Edits & Proofreading
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Before & After
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4A. Winding Down Tips: Self-Edits Remember your reader has to read this. Make this a pleasant, pain-free experience.
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Walk Away: Take a break from it before editing Liposuction: Every sentence cut a word, every paragraph cut a sentence. Organize: Keep your file versions correct Dump Trash: Remove inferior versions Good Tomorrow: Save good leftovers for later
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4B. Winding Down Tips: Pick EditorRemember your editor has to work with you and your piece. Choose a congruent, proven person.
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Think Alike: Pick someone who will be true to your vision, who cares enough to understand it Shop Around: Talk to a few. Tell them:
Your Manuscript Length Type(s) of Edit Desired
Request Demo: Request Edit of Sample (5-10 pages) Write Down Details: Quote ($) and timeline for the whole project
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5. Workshop A: Your Turn!
Do Your Best: Perfect Practice Makes Perfect
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Task: Edit your chosen piece (or part of piece). Shape or Clean. Objective: Practice self-editing your pieceSuccess: Shape: Story Flow enhanced Clean: No extraneous word per sentence edited.Tips: Balance time –Reading & Editing.
Time: 15 minutes total.
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5. RECAP (FYI): Shape & Clean
Shaping the RoughA. Developmental Editing: Shaping overall structureB. Line Editing: Ensuring strong story flow
Cleaning the RoughC. Copy Editing: Tighten words & sentencesD. Proofreading: Spell check that works E. Synchronizing: Consistent and Standardized
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6. Sneak Peeks: Process & Product
View Example of Edited Piece (Process) & For the Love of God: Falling For Balance
(Product)
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Paid in Full: Greater Return Freely Available: Precious Value
“Thanking the Giants upon Whom I Stand”
Giving Credit: References
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Book Editing7 Deadly Myths and 3 Inspired
Truths About the Editing of Books
What does a book editor do?
What a good editor will do for you
Now that you’ve opened the gift, I hope you found fun, use, and benefits.If you have comments, questions, concerns, inspirations, suggestions, ideas, stories, or anything else to share, you’re invited - come visit:
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See You Again Soon
Thank you for participating in this beautiful give and take of gems.
I hope whatever you need, you receive here.
I hope whatever you seek, you find here.Polishing for Self Publishing - Rashed Lights Ways
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