I took a different approach to the first rewrite of my work in progress. As mentioned in my previous post, I used the Hemingway App to edit the manuscript, the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.
I did find it time consuming, having to copy and paste several times. But after awhile, I got used to it as it became second nature in the editing process. I'm sure it will be easier to use after I learn a few shortcuts.
The software was useful in keeping me focused. The color-coded program highlighted possible problems, such as passive voice, adverbs, and complex sentences that might be difficult to comprehend. It also suggested simpler words for clarity.
I followed the advice, stripping out perceived problems to cleanup the manuscript. Along the way, I found myself deleting or rewriting sentences. I also noticed repeated words that needed to be trashed or replaced (most were deleted).
As mentioned, the app doesn't like long or complex ("wordy") sentences. Sometimes the suggestions for simpler sentences are simply too simple. That's simple enough but writers vary the length of sentences to gain rhythm and convey thoughts. Writing is not simple. I'm sure Ernest Hemingway would agree.
I told my editor that I've made significant progress so now on to the second rewrite.
Until the next . . .
8 comments:
I think repetitious and unneeded words were one of the last things I learned about. Now I have a list of my common words. Everyone has them. Nice to know their is a program to help eliminate them.
Rhobin...Let me clarify, the Hemingway App does not eliminate repetitious words. By using the program, I became more conscious of doing repeating certain words. I have a list of words as well from previous edits with my Wings editors that I keep. But it does show alternatives to certain words, to simply or clarify sentences. I did find this website that mentions several programs for cleaning copy: https://prowritingaid.com/art/13/Find-repeated-words-and-phrases.aspx For me, I find the "Find and Replace" command in Word to be useful.
Michael, does it detect missing articles. I have a tendency to leave out "to" or "a", etc. and then, not detect them when I edit?
I located and gave the free desk top version a shot on an old work that I am re-editing. It did not catch missing articles, but it was very tough on adverbs and confusing sentences. The cut and paste is very tedious, but I think doing a chapter or two would be very beneficial and enlightening. When I pasted in the material, it indicated 8th grade level. After the Hemingway edit, if indicated 3rd grade level. Don't quite know what to make of that.
William, the reading level can be humbling. I believe after going back in and showing rather than telling with adverbs, the level would get higher. At least I hope so!
William, since Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea was supposedly only 4th grade level, your book is in good reading-level company. The U.S. population in general reads at a 7th or 8th grade level. I think these scores are based on words used and writing mechanics, not on the actual content which is what hooks most readers. So it would seem if your book's reading level goes to high, you might have far fewer readers capable of enjoying it.
The app notes that if the reading level is too high that you could lose readers. I'm not going to be too concerned with the readability level; the more readers, the better.
Thank you Robin. I think the app judges confusing sentences based on their complexity rather than if they actually confuse the reader.
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