In the writing community, you can find many conversations about recommended methods for drafting and editing your manuscript. However, for many writers, there can be difficulty identifying the difference between the two. After all, the terms are often used interchangeably, yet in practice, drafting and editing are inherently distinctive stages of the writing process. Our advice is to maintain a boundary between these stages and make a commitment to only draft while drafting and save the editing for later.
But what exactly is drafting? And how is it different from editing?
Writing the initial version of your manuscript is known as drafting, while editing is a multi-step process in which you revise a previous version. When drafting, the goal should be for you to simply get your idea—the story as it has appeared to you so far, or the gist of your message—onto the pages. Improving your idea, making each element of your story cohesive, and resolving any plot holes can come later and is the goal of the editing process.
In a technical sense, each version of your editing manuscript is a new draft. However, for the purpose of this article, “drafting” refers solely to the process of transcribing your idea or concept to the page for the first time. To minimize confusion, subsequent “drafts” are referred to as “revised versions.”
To set yourself up for success, it’s crucial to understand the steps of drafting versus those of editing.
Drafting
Drafting is the very first stage of the writing process; it’s when you fill blank pages with the primary iteration of your story. It’s the first time your story comes to life outside your mind, though it is not to be confused with outlining. If you identify as a plotter, drafting is what follows the outlining process; if you identify as a pantser, drafting is when your work begins. By comparison, the outlining process is intended to help you jot key points in your story; drafting is when you transform those points from notes into prose.
During the drafting stage, we suggest all writers refrain from going back and editing their work until they’ve completed their first full version of their story, also known as the alpha draft. Pausing to assess or “fix” your content as you generate it can create numerous “side quests,” which ultimately delay (or even dismay) you from reaching the conclusion. For some, these delays can instigate writer’s block, which may prevent them from returning to their story altogether. Remember, you can always re-evaluate what you’ve included, how the information is presented, and further research notions you’ve been inspired to include later.
When you’ve reached the conclusion of your story, take a moment to celebrate your progress! No matter how much work remains to be done, congratulations are in order–you’ve just completed your first version of what will ultimately be your final draft! Yes, this version—your alpha draft—is your manuscript’s most unpolished version, but it is the foundation upon which you will enhance your story or message as you make revisions throughout the editing process.
Editing
Editing is the second stage of the writing process, when you begin to revise, re-work, and enhance what you’ve already written. With the alpha draft in hand, we advise each writer to begin by reading their manuscript from start to finish, taking notes and making minor copy edits along the way. You can use your notes while making developmental edits, and by making minor copy edits, you’ll ensure that your next version will be a bit more grammatically tidy, too.
The editing process generates a revised version every time you work your way through it, and the various steps of editing will likely differ in duration. For example, the developmental editing stage may require three or more versions as you assess (1) if your story “works” and is complete; (2) if there’s a balance between the action/events and your main character’s evolution, and (3) if you can identify a clear beginning, middle, and end point of their journey. Comparatively, the line and copy editing process may only necessitate one or two versions, in addition to whichever version any professional editor sees. Lastly, the proofreading stage should only be done on an otherwise-finished version of your manuscript, but it may require multiple passes through the content.
Challenges can arise as you strive to provide adequate attention to each stage of the editing process. We always advise that you work with a professional editor as well as alpha or beta readers and critique partners throughout the editing stage, although the exact type of editor(s) will vary in accordance with the unique needs of your manuscript. Finding the right editor for your manuscript will depend on which stage of editing you’re in, as well as the genre.
If you’re wondering which stage you are currently in, you can ask yourself the objective of your efforts. If you are endeavoring to write your story, you’re in the drafting stage. If you are striving to improve or tweak what you’ve already written, you’re in the editing stage. Of course, excitement to progress from one stage of creation to the next can be difficult to manage, and it’s wonderful if you’re excited about your progress on your manuscript! But remember that rushing through the process will likely create more work for you later, and it’s okay to take your time. For that matter, if your initial version of your manuscript is a truly rough draft, that’s okay, too—it’s all part of the journey. The uniqueness of drafting versus editing is meant to help you write your best manuscript, no matter how long it takes…and there are always talented professionals to help you along the way.
Josha Publishing, LLC 