Guidelines for Implementing Initial Developmental Edits in Writing
In the world of writing, developmental edits can often feel like a daunting task. However, one author has shared their successful approach to applying developmental edits, which they call the 'Frankenstein' method.
The author began by understanding the purpose of developmental editing, focusing on the big-picture elements such as plot structure, character arcs, pacing, and overall coherence. They then embarked on a hands-on editing journey, making changes directly in the text, learning from the examples provided, and adapting them to their own writing style.
One of the key aspects of the 'Frankenstein' method is the creation of a checklist document. This document serves as a roadmap, listing all the changes needed with headings for sections and big picture items. The author found it helpful to identify places in the story where changes made sense and added new check boxes for those changes.
The author compared the process of applying developmental edits to building a medieval cathedral and forgetting to add a vestry. They needed to meander through their character's thoughts to discover a simpler, more direct way of saying it. Writing ugly, as they put it, allowed them to experiment with dialogue and scenarios that would not work for the story, ultimately leading to a more polished final product.
The author found a YouTube video by Jessica Brody called "How to Revise Your Novel Using the 'Frankenstein' Method" which provided the method they were looking for. They then sought feedback from a handful of people who read the initial drafts and raved about it, ensuring they didn't deviate from the original premise.
The 'Frankenstein' method involves having three documents open: the original document, a blank document, and revision notes. Text is copied and pasted into the blank document with brackets indicating changes. The author trusted themselves to know they'd get to the point eventually and then be able to cut it down and stylize it once they knew where they were going.
Filling in all those brackets was deeply rewarding but equally exhausting for the author. They needed some distance from the revision process and worked on a fun side project for 2-3 days before returning to the manuscript with fresh eyes.
The author ended up with a story that they feel is their best work to date. They learned to trust their writer instincts and discern what their story needed and what it didn't, even throwing away advice from their developmental editor. Everyone who reviewed the changes enhanced the story, according to the author.
In conclusion, the 'Frankenstein' method offers a practical and effective approach to developmental editing. By breaking down edits into manageable passes, understanding the rationale behind changes, using story/genre frameworks to structure content, and utilizing expert editorial resources, writers can internalize developmental editing principles, enhancing both their manuscript and their skills as a writer.
The author's successful approach to developmental editing, the 'Frankenstein' method, emphasizes education-and-self-development by understanding the purpose of developmental editing and learning from examples provided. This method encourages personal-growth through experimenting with different writing styles, dialogue, and scenarios, ultimately leading to improved learning and a polished manuscript.
