Complete Your Manuscript Before Editing: Benefits and Tips

When you're crafting a novel, deciding whether to finish the entire manuscript before embarking on a thorough editing process is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the quality and coherence of your work. This approach offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred choice for many writers. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of completing your manuscript first, along with some tips to help you achieve a more efficient and effective writing process.

Key Advantages of Filling Out Your Entire Manuscript Before Editing

Holistic Perspective

One of the primary benefits of finishing your entire manuscript before starting the editing phase is the holistic perspective it provides. When you approach the entire story at once, you can better understand the overarching narrative, character arcs, plot developments, and thematic elements. This coherence ensures a consistent and well-rounded storytelling experience for your readers.

Flow and Pacing

Completing the entire manuscript first also helps you maintain a smooth and consistent flow in your storytelling. Editing chapter by chapter can interrupt the narrative continuity, leading to inconsistencies in tone or pacing. By writing the entire book first, you can ensure a fluid narrative that holds together well from beginning to end.

Character Development

Another significant advantage is the evolution of characters. As your story progresses, characters often evolve in unexpected ways. By finishing the manuscript, you can ensure that their development is consistent and aligns with the events and themes of the entire narrative, rather than just isolated sections. This ensures a more dynamic and nuanced portrayal of your characters.

Plot Connections

Many plot points and subplots can only be fully realized once the entire story is complete. Writing the entire book allows you to see how these elements interconnect, which might not be as apparent when you revise in smaller chunks. This comprehensive view helps you make informed decisions about plot developments, ensuring that every detail fits together seamlessly.

Motivation and Momentum

Completing a draft can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. It can be easier to maintain momentum when you’re focused on finishing the manuscript rather than stopping to revise frequently. This can help you avoid getting discouraged and allow you to push through any writer’s block or resistance to the writing process.

Efficiency

Editing a completed manuscript offers a more efficient and comprehensive approach to refining your work. You can tackle the entire story at once, rather than piecemeal, which can save time and effort in the long run. This holistic approach allows you to identify and address larger issues that might be missed when revising chapter by chapter.

Creative Freedom

When you write without the pressure of immediate revision, you may feel freer to experiment with ideas. This can lead to more inventive storytelling and a richer, more engaging narrative. Embracing the messy first draft can be crucial for creativity, as it allows you to explore different directions and possibilities without the constraints of perfection.

Reduced Perfectionism

Focusing on writing first can help you avoid getting bogged down by perfectionism. It allows you to embrace the initial draft, which can be crucial for generating ideas and content. While revisions are important, they can sometimes be done later with a fresh perspective, making the entire process less overwhelming and more manageable.

Striking a Balance

While completing your manuscript before editing is often recommended, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some writers find that revising as they go works well for them, and this method can be effective as long as it suits their writing style and productivity. Instead of choosing between these two approaches, you might consider striking a balance. For example, you could complete a few chapters before revising, then move on to the next sections. This hybrid method allows you to maintain some flexibility while still benefiting from the advantages of a completed manuscript.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your personal writing style and what you find most productive. Experiment with different methods and see which one works best for you. Whether you prefer to complete your manuscript in one go or revise as you write, the important thing is to stay consistent and focused on your goal of creating a compelling and cohesive story.