What's your editing style?

[Ivin Viljoen]

Keeping it simple usually does the trick especially if you are gonna have your book available in different kinds of formats. Also using Dragon Naturally Speaking 11 where you speak and watch the screen dictate the words that you are speaking can save you a lot of time, ink and paper.

[sonmezroy]

you will need specific bookkeeping on file versions and lots of backups. Cloud or something.

[clankchemical]

In general, less is more, and this is particularly true if you want to make your work accessible in many forms. Additionally, you may save time, paper, and ink by utilizing Dragon Naturally Speaking 11, which allows you to talk while seeing the screen transcribe your words into text.

[coldbluts]

I'll do an on-screen edit, in which my eyes only catch a certain amount. Then I'll take it to my e-reader, where my eyes catch even more, and I'll do a final one on paper. And I guarantee there will still be typos!

[vanre]

If I'm editing my own work, I prefer to print it out and mark it up. As others have said, changing the format makes it easier to see with fresh eyes.

I do a lot of work copyediting manuscripts for others, though, and in that case I find that on-screen editing works fine. Since I'm reading something for the first time, I don't have any difficulty moving slowly and scrutinizing each word. Webcam Test

One thing I really hate about copyediting with paper and pen is the additional time it takes to transcribe corrections to the electronic document. Also, there's the possibility of transcription errors—maybe you got something right in the paper mark-up, but you copied it wrong into the computer. I'd rather just do it once in the electronic document and maybe give the whole thing a second pass if I feel it needs it.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of editing your own work on paper versus on-screen, and how does this compare to copyediting manuscripts for others?

[usdarasy]

My editing style is concise and aimed at clarity and readability. I focus on improving grammar, punctuation, and flow while preserving the original meaning and tone.



Dara Sydney Dance School