Quick Fox Editing

1. Refine your idea

Think about what you want to say with your book. Is it your own personal journey and the knowledge you’ve gained? Or maybe it’s some aspect of history and how it is still relevant today? Can you describe your book in one sentence (often called the ‘elevator pitch’)? Once you’re really clear on what you want your book to say, knowing what to include/exclude becomes easier.

2. Identify your readers

Who do you want to read this book? Who do you think will read this book? Now, when you write, think of this person (real or imaginary) and tell your story to them. Or perhaps when you start writing, your readership emerges as part of the writing process.

3. Build your scaffolding

This could be as simple as a table of contents with the names of the stories you wish to include, or a synopsis of the book (having chapter summaries is useful if you want to send your manuscript to literary agents or publishers).

4. Think of your narrative arc

In fiction writing, the plot often runs in three acts. At its simplest, a narrative arc includes the background/characters, a problem/complication, and the resolution. This can work in narrative nonfiction too. Your book, for instance, could be based on your current reflections, looking back at past experiences. It could be your journey of writing this book, or small scenes in the present day (written in present tense) that trigger memories (then written in past tense).

5. Think about themes

What are the underlying themes of your book? These are the narrative threads woven throughout your work that hold the piece of writing together. Do your stories/anecdotes/characters highlight some aspect of your theme(s)? Aim to include that which supports your thematic structure, and exclude that which doesn’t or which runs counter to it.

6. Consider what visuals you can include

This might consist of a timeline, map, family tree of characters or other images that help to tell your story. Note that any images you don’t own (i.e. paintings, photos taken by other people, maps) will need the creator’s permission to be included in your book.

7. Do your research

This may be market research (What other books are similar to yours in the market? How is your book different/better?), or topic research (Do you wish to include statistics? Discussion by authors/academics working in this area? Historical sources?).

8. Due diligence

This comes later. This involves having beta readers and/or sensitivity readers review the book for sensitive/offensive content to ensure you aren’t unintentionally causing offense/distress to potential readers.