How I Edit My Fantasy Books (2023)

In this video, I share my exact step-by-step system for editing fantasy novels. If you've wondered how to turn your fantasy book from a messy first draft into a polished story, this video is for you.

⏲️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
1:09 – Let it sit
2:02 – Read the entire thing
4:24 – Figure out what its about
6:06 – Big removals and rewrites
12:16 – Big picture edits 
13:44 – Fix placeholders
14:35 – Get feedback
21:19 – Specific passes
25:56 – Get an editor
26:37 – Proof reading

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Hi! My name's Jed. I'm a fantasy author with three published novels and a bestselling video game. On this channel, I draw from my 10+ years of writing experience to help you become a better writer.

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(Note: I don't always get a chance to reply to every email. However, I do my best to read as many of them as possible, and it's my preferred method of communication.)

[wrestlingwithwords]

Couldn't agree more with the opening. I tell my own clients that writing is all about re-writing and that the real writing comes during the revisions! Great video. I found myself nodding along with many of the points you made.

[deedaceopondo]

I do not own a kindle but what I have done is taken the whole manuscript, changed the font and sizing then put it in e-pub or PDF format and read it on my phone. It is revolutionary. Reading it like it is someone else's story really helps. Thanks Jed for these amazing videos

[deckardcanine]

I do more drawing than creative writing. This has helped me accept the need for self-editing, because I never like my first drawing best.

[didyoujust]

I'm in my second draft now and it's so much fun. I had a lot done in the first, but now that I have scenes that need tying together better and more exploration, I've come up with so many new ideas and fun interactions between characters. I've learnt so much about them too. :)

[mattiOTX]

I operate a little different, I'm a gardener. So I'll write and use drafts as the outline. Adding scenes once I get my primary scenes down. Work on dialogue in a later drafts. Once I have the story flowing the way I want I start editing. Removing excess so that the flowers can bloom and fruit wonderfully. I write about conceptual themes, so much of my stories are very character driven. Plots are the causes of the characters wants or needs and the actions taken to fulfill those. I've never had issues with being objective of my own work but I came from a philosophy, sociology, and debate background so being objective about your own beliefs and thoughts is a needed skill for understanding your intellectual opponents and adjusting the ideas you have. I like to remember that I'm not reading my story, I'm reading the character's story. I'm writing down their lives but I'm not creating them. It's a bit like children, you imprint what you believe onto them but ultimately it's their lives. I can be critical of decisions I don't agree with they take, it does not mean their story ends just because of that.

[virginiaweir-hjrt]

I use the Microsoft read aloud feature too. It's excellent for catching the typos.

[KimberleyWenya]

I love that I’m not the only one who feels like you’re reading someone else’s book when reading in the kindle! It’s such a great mindset shift to take advantage of.

I’ve always felt like rewriting looks so differently for everyone and really enjoyed hearing your take on it!

[psyekl]

You have no idea how much I needed this.

[Dakota_Duncan]

I finished the first draft for my second book since discovering your channel and I would credit your advice to at least part of that. I've been putting off getting into editing for a few reasons. I know how to write, though I don't know how good it is, but I don't really know how to edit.

[val-geist]

The reading and editing along with text to speech tip is one I use often, it really does help quite a lot =D

[luisdall]

Great insight as always Jed. I love the idea of putting your draft on your kindle. It really made me think I was reading someone else's book and made it easier to find issues.

[mageprometheus]

Thank you Jed. Another step forward on my learning journey.

[joshualorenzestilo]

best channel! Subscribed! Will use this to edit the sequel of my fantasy novel. Greetings from the Philippines.

[casualdragonslayer]

Wonderful guide and insight into your process. Every writer is a little bit different, but you do a great job of giving a comprehensive look at the editing process. Thank you, Jed!

[NaDa-kwfu]

There is a precedent of order in editing tasks.
As in all things writing, there is nothing set in concrete and will depend on the author, story and genera. I've tried to compile (several times) exactly this order should include.
It would be interesting to compare notes with other who struggle with this.

[victor_bueno_br]

from what i got, Patrick Rothfuss's theme is just "foreshadowing is awesome"

[NickP_TheBookScene]

This is such a great video thanks Jed. Very useful and interesting. I can't wait to get to the editing stages of my work in progress 😊.

[Plague_Archangel]

Hello Jed, great video! Thank you for your efforts and putting it out.
I am binging your videos, as I am an aspiring author, and I have to say that the format of your videos and the way you present the topics are fantastic.
I do struggle a bit with my writing mainly as I am trying to write in English--which is not my mother language--but, little-by-little, step-by-step I might get there.

[eugenemurphy]

Glad to see another vertical mouse king. Thank you for the guide, Jed!

[ryanhollist]

An issue I currently have with finding people to review my work is I am including content that I know many people are not comfortable engaging with. I'm not ashamed to ask people to read it. I have offered to share it with my friends, but they turn it down when I give them the content warning. I'm now turning to online groups that are more comfortable with my content.