From my first novel
Let me tell you a quick story about when I wrote my first novel, Evergreen. I had just turned forty, I was on holiday in Scotland with my family, and my lifelong desire to write a full length romance novel became just too powerful to resist! I spent both the week we were there, and the entire journey home, dreaming up a wonderful, highly emotive story that took firm root in my head and I needed to let it bloom. In all honesty, it was something of a compulsion.
Consequently, I dashed the entire 110,750 words off in less than two months! I was living my best life in a fictional world of my own creation, so I can’t deny that it was an amazing time for me, but it left me with a manuscript absolutely riddled with typos and grammatical errors; you name it, it was in there. It took me long months of hard work to clean that one up!
To my latest one
In contrast, my latest work, Scarecrow is only two thirds complete, and I have been writing it since last summer. These days, you see, I have learned to work with my personality. I blame my mother for this! She taught me to clean up as I go along, and whilst I’m fairly certain she was talking about housework, (oh dear, that’s another story!) not writing, the principle still applies for me.
So, when do I proof read my own work? This is a very good question! I think that each writer has a system that works best for them. I also believe that every writer evolves with time and good practice.
When do I proof read my own work?
Here’s the thing. I love knowing that my writing is clean. I like to feel confident that, when it comes to the final editing, I won’t be daunted by a myriad of silly mistakes, all pulling faces at me as I try to craft something beautiful! I proof read each section of my novel as it is written. I know it slows me down; I know a lot of writers would disagree with this method, but it works well for me and my need for clean! I also know that I will still do a final proof read (or two!) when the novel is complete, just to be absolutely certain it is fault-free before I submit it for publication. In fact, I’ll probably still be proof reading it when it has been in print for several years! I can’t help myself; it’s what I do! It has become second nature to me, I love the process, and that’s why I want to do it for other writers too.
Do you have a novel in need of proof reading?
I will be delighted to do that for you. You can call me on 07803 072006 or email me at claireshaw.proof@gmail.com. I will always be sympathetic to your own voice and I am never judgemental about mistakes. I understand we all make them. Or you can visit my proof reading service page to find out more.