The Editor's Desk

This is where it's all happening. Or where it's supposed to already have been happening.

I'm editing the book. Well actually I've only been playing at editing the book - making an odd change here and there, tweaking a paragraph here and there. Nothing like I know needs doing.

So today, I've decided to go to editorial confession. Bless me novel, for I have sinned. I have ignored you in the hope that you may miraculously cure yourself of all plot holes, in-consistencies, scenes that don't move the story forward etc etc. But today, I have kicked my own arse as hard as it needed kicking and have done something I haven't done in a while. I have now planned this edit. The way I have it planned, I will finish it this day fortnight.

On my desk are my tools. The printer to print off a complete manuscript. Pen to make notes in margins. Spiral bound notebook for lengthier notes. Alignment sheet for er, the recycling bin. Specs so I can see what I'm doing. Pile of receipts on window to remind me that some day I might get paid for all this. And laptop to make all the changes.

I'm scared. So scared that I've avoided doing this properly until now. Scared because I'm not sure I know what I'm doing. I must have slept during the 'editing a novel' class in school. Hopeful too because I know if I can get this next stage right, I have a good book on my hands. Maybe even a publishable book on my hands?