The CT Method: Revision and Editing for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

By David B. Schlosser

Written from the perspective of a developmental editor advising an author with a newly completed book draft, this article details a step-by-step method for revising and editing novel-length fiction or creative/narrative nonfiction manuscripts. It is a holistic, integrated process that applies to writers at every skill level and at any stage of their project.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David B. Schlosser
• Release date: Mar 18, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452401225

David B. Schlosser

David Schlosser is a writer, editor, book producer and publisher, and strategic communications advisor who emphasizes the power of story to increase the impact of all forms of communication. After completing his first novel manuscript (the one he left in the drawer) as a sophomore in high school, his words and advice have earned awards for fiction writing, non-fiction writing, and editing. Contact him through his web site, http://www.analects-ink.com.

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The CT Method of Revision and Editing

by

David B. Schlosser

Written from the perspective of a developmental editor advising an author with a newly completed book draft, this article details a step-by-step method for revising and editing novel-length fiction or creative/narrative nonfiction manuscripts. It is a holistic, integrated process that applies to writers at every skill level and at any stage of their project. Writers may follow the system completely or selectively.

Based on the premise that writers benefit more from undertaking this work on their own than from hiring professionals to do it for them, The CT Method explores concepts and logistical details relevant to writers who plan to seek an agent or publisher as well as those who may choose to self-publish. While most of these self-revision and self-editing strategies and tactics will be relevant to writers working on shorter pieces, the process will be most useful to long-form stories.

Published by Equinoctes Media

Smashwords Edition 1.0

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Copyright 2010 David B. Schlosser

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David Schlosser is a writer, editor, book producer and publisher, and strategic communications adviser who emphasizes the power of story to increase the impact of all forms of communication. After completing his first novel manuscript (the one he left in the drawer) as a sophomore in high school, his words and advice have earned awards for fiction writing, nonfiction writing, and editing. Contact him through:

http://www.analects-ink.com

@dbschlosser

http://www.facebook.com/dbschlosser

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The CT Method of Revision and Editing

I'm an editor who consults with authors considering various options to get their book into the wild. Writers who've completed their manuscripts regularly send me queries about engaging a professional to edit their work. (Really, what they want to know is how much it costs.)

There usually follows a series of e-mails in which I explain I can't estimate a cost without seeing the condition of the manuscript. [1 (References at end of document)] I also try to elicit answers to questions like:

=> What do you want to achieve with your book—do you plan to become the next J.K. Rowling, the next Ian McEwan, or the next self-published success story?

=> What kind of editing assistance are you looking for—developmental advising, proofreading, or both?

=> What