It’s a common problem – the writing is flowing and the ideas are getting put down onto your draft manuscript. However, when editing, you come across awkward text – difficulties in the character development, plot or setting. What I have learned (the hard way) is that the best action in this case is to cut the text. That’s right, by cutting the text you eliminate the obstacle and help the flow of the book. If it’s not necessary, then get rid of it! From my experience, authors need a good editor to point out what is not working. When they do, it’s time to erase the culprit, reduce the word count, and move on. Do the same with poor storylines and out-of-place characters. My TIP: if you can’t afford a full editing service, at the very minimum get a professional editor to check your first few chapters.
