Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing Paperback – 1 May 2020

Straight forward and comprehensive, it offers a balanced—not dogmatic—approach to editing. It covers developmental edits as well as line, with a warm easy tone.

Like so many people, I have a dream of someday writing the great American novel. I've been working on mine for several years, during which time, I've taken tons of classes, participated in writing critique groups, and read lots of books on craft. In December, I finally finished my first draft and prepared to start the editing process. To do so, I went out and bought a couple of highly rated books on the topic (of course!). But, it was slow and tedious work and I just always felt like I wasn't sure I was doing it right or focusing on the right things. Some of the editing books were short (maybe too short) and sweet and got right to the point, but they felt a bit lightweight and I couldn't get over the feeling that I was missing something. Some were longer and more detailed, but they were too dense, too lofty, too "literary" (and not in a good way). I could barely force myself to read them and wasn't sure I was getting the full picture when I did. Then someone recommended this book and THANK GOD!This is the best book on editing I've read so far. It feels thorough. It gives me a concrete plan of attack for my work. Gives me good questions to ask to help me identify weak points. The examples are excellent and really illustrate the points and I love that the author uses books, movies and popular tv shows. Using a broad array of media in the examples ensures that usually I will be familiar with at least one of them, so I have a better sense of the point she's trying to make. Also, this is meaty, but it's an easy read. I can zip right through it and the points stick with me, instead of laboring over a chapter and then trying to remember what I read. I don't know if it's the best editing book out there because obviously, I can't read them all. But it's definitely the best I've come across so far and like a lot of writers, I tend to hoard books, particularly books on craft, so I do have more than my fair share.So, the bad news is after reading this I realize how much work I have to do to whip my draft into shape. But the good news is that I know exactly where it needs that work and how to fix it. I love this book so much that I honestly wish I'd read it before I started writing. If I had, I think I'd have written a much stronger first draft to begin with. But luckily, it's not too late,

I have bought many writing craft books over the years. Creation has never been a problem for me, but I do find editing a real drag and have left many manuscripts gathering dust because I can't face it! Intuitive editing is by far the most thorough and useful book on the subject that I have read. if you're sick of hearing the phrase 'show, don't tell' without fully appreciating its meaning (although I swear I believed I did understand before!) this book will provide you with vivid examples and suggestions. The section on characters alone is worth the price of the book. I am due to publish my second novel this year and am forever learning. Highly recommend to any writer who is trying to do better and be better.

Not finished the book yet, but I am very thrilled I got it!Just one complaint (and it has nothing to do with the writer or the books contents) - I wish the text would be bigger in the paperback. I really had to focus a lot to read because of the text size. Otherwise, I think its a great book!

hands down the most practical book I purchased in 2020. As a first time book writer (nonfiction) Yates Martin's book walked me through the 'big picture' (macroedits) to focus on, followed by the micro/line edits. We basically go inside the head of an established and experienced book editor to understand what keeps readers engaged while also plugging any holes in the story, character, etc. It was exactly what I needed to take my manuscript from "done" to "polished" and, hopefully, a book that will be a page turner. I felt great knowing that my editor will have a more polished version to work with, which will ultimately hopefully lead to a better book. THANKS TIFFANY!!