You did it! You finished your manuscript and typed those two elusive words -- The End. Now what? When in the editing process do you hit print, or do you prefer editing on-screen?
I typically print a manuscript after doing a couple rounds of edits on the full draft, then plan for one final pass based on my hard copy edits.
At what point do you print your manuscript?
I like to print it then too. Sometimes you see the problems better in a printed version.
ReplyDeleteI've always printed them out. I find it difficult to edit on the screen.
ReplyDeleteI edit endlessly on screen. I will print out sections as I go, though, particularly if I have a lot of cutting and pasting to do. I like to have the hard copy for reference.
ReplyDeleteEven after the editor, and additional edit, I find more errors after I print it out.
ReplyDeleteOK - I admit, I haven't HAD to print an MS yet, but like you, I would wait until I've gotten through a couple rounds of editing. :)
ReplyDeleteI do my first edit run through and then print for hubby to read. After that I edit again and send PDF files to two editors I trust, no more printing.
ReplyDeleteNatalie - It's true! I always find new edits.
ReplyDeleteAlex - Agreed.
L.G. - I do that too. It's definitely a mix of on-screen and hard copy editing.
Miranda - Isn't it crazy how that happens?!
Leigh - You'll get there!!
Donna - Yay for the hubs and editors. It's great to have fresh eyes review it.
I used to print my stories out to have hard copies after revisions, but nowadays, we're on a strict budget. Paper and printer cartridges are expensive!
ReplyDeleteso, first, the creating a bar post was excellent fun! i love the Blind Badger from Gwen Gardner's YA Paranormal mysteries is one of my favorite "haunts" - ha haha!
ReplyDeleteand i agree - printing out the story is a necessary part of my process. typos jump out at me, writing things out helps me remember why and did i do that before? easier to flip back or ahead, and it's more portable than dragging my laptop around =)
and i enjoyed
I did print out my first book, but ink is just way too expensive! I don't have a problem with editing on screen, but I appreciate the benefit of reading on paper. There's also the option of sending the doc to Kindle, which helps to appraise it more as a proper book.
ReplyDeleteYou know I haven't ever printed it, and I'm querying it right now, but I think I WILL print it now... after giving this some thought. I think I might catch some things in a different medium. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAw, I came too late for the poll! :) Typically I print out my ms right before I query, in its most polished form. Sometimes I have to recycle it because I've edited it and am printing out the newest version, but it's fun to keep the old drafts to see how much you've improved!
ReplyDeleteChristine - They really are! I always debate that too, but I edit better on paper. I wish there was a way to automatically recycle the paper and ink back into the printer after reading the draft. C'mon...that's a thing, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteTara - Haha! Yay - glad you enjoyed it. The Blind Badger is a great bar name. I'm the same re: editing. I see things differently on the page than on the screen.
Nick - Good idea about sending the MS to a different electronic format like a Kindle. I've never done it, but I imagine it would give you that same fresh editing perspective.
Margo - Ha! Well that's one way to do it. :)
Julie - Drat! Sorry about the poll closing. I just went shredded a bunch of old, old drafts I found while cleaning. It is definitely entertaining to read! Can't help but cringe and love my old stuff at the same time.