What are the three basic steps in Retouching?

Effective Retouching is done in three steps, in sequence, because you look for something different each time. The first and most important stage in the editing process is the macro-edit, also called a content editor a developmental edit. In this stage, an editor (or you, the writer, if you are editing your own work) looks at the big picture. For fiction, this might include character development, pacing, point of view, voice, inconceivability of events, and overall plot. For nonfiction, this may include structure and tone, as well as the soundness of the content. This stage of the editing process is often the most challenging because it can lead to complete overhauls of the work. 

Now we discuss three basic steps in Retouching:

Rewriting – adding and cutting whole chunks (scenes, chapters, paragraphs), and moving and reworking material.

The rewriting stage is sometimes called “revising” – which means “re-seeing” your work with fresh eyes. When I’m working on fiction, this normally means starting from scratch with a blank document and with a draft one on my Kindle beside me. You may not need to go quite that far, but do be prepared to make big changes at this stage

Editing – this is what I think of as “true” Retouching: reworking individual paragraphs and sentences, adding or cutting smaller sections.

True “Retouching” is, for me, normally the stage from Draft Two inwards. It may overlap a little with the rewriting stage, but it uses a different set of skills and involves lots of little changes rather than a few major ones. This stage can be very satisfying – it’s the point where a handful of little tweaks turn bad writing into good writing.

Proofreading – checking that what you think you wrote is what you actually wrote, and fixing typos and spelling mistakes. Each stage of editing requires a different approach. Here’s how I suggest you tackle them.

All writers need to proofread, especially if they’re self-publishing. This stage is important for traditional publishing, too, as editors and agents will be put off if your submission is riddled with typos. Proofreading is definitely not my favorite stage of Retouching: it means being patient and going slowly – two things I’m not great at.