Would it be a waste of time if I did this?

Question

I've written a few chapters so far, and I want to print them out. I like holding my novel while I read rather than reading it on my computer screen. So do you think I should print the chapters and read them by hand, or just stick with reading them on the screen?

Answer 1

Actually, I do print chapters out when I revise. I, too, would prefer to read and edit the old fashioned way - with traditional editors marks on paper. That's the way I was taught and I am kind of traditonal when it comes to editing. I have to see those editor's marks. Plus I write notes in the margins for myself like any editor does.

It will be a waste in that you will no doubt have to toss them out eventually because they won't be your final version. Since you haven't even finished yet, there is no way you will not eventually have to make some changes. In fact, you should plan on at least two more drafts before you are ready to turn it over to an editor and proofreader.

But I do agree with you. I edit much better reading from a sheet of paper. Use recycled paper. Then recycle it again. It won't be wasted. Pax - C

PS You should never show your friends a work in progress. I would never show one to anybody. Save that for the completed book. Very unprofessional.

Answer 2

Clean up the obvious stuff on the computer, then print it.
Problems that you never noticed on the screen will jump out at you when it's on paper. Mark it up for editing.
Then, go back to the computer to fix it.

The next time you're ready to print it, change the font size so that the number of characters per line is different.
Now, a whole different bunch of problems will become obvious, simply because you're seeing it in a way that you haven't become accustomed to. Mark up for editing again.

Repeat until it's as good as it will ever be.
By the way, when you get to the point where you think you'll puke if you have to rewrite it again, cheer up--you're halfway done.

Best wishes,

Answer 3

I think you should do both. You will catch things on paper that you can't on the computer screen. There's just something about it...

I also recommend that you print it and throw it in a drawer for two or three days (don't read it online either). After at least 48 hours, take it out and read it. You might be amazed at what mistakes you catch and what new ideas come to you. Another editing tool: read over your work backward. :-)

Best wishes!

Answer 4

I am also writing a novel. I find it easier to print out my work and read it. If you read it on the computer screen, you loose your place easier than if it is on paper. I also like editing my work by hand rather than on the computer, I can write it and then change it later if I don't like it that way. If you change it on your computer, you have to read through it again if you want to change it again.

Answer 5

If it was a waste of time, I wouldn't have spent hours printing out the first draft to The Starchild 10 years ago. :0)

Answer 6

you are going to be reading your book over and over and doing edits. I like editing the paper copy, but do it both ways. AND I don't generally do any edits, unless there is a major change in the story, until I've completed the entire book, then I get all the critique notes from my critique partners and my own notes on things to watch for-- and I rewrite the whole thing...AGAIN and AGAIN....

Answer 7

it depends, a lot of people like to read hands on, and you can make the print & margins really small, so that they fit on less paper. if you want to share your story, most people prefer it to be handed to them rather than sent via email. when i want to read it i read on the comp, but i also print it off to show to my friends. if i were you i'd print it off, but get used to reading on the comp, because you don't want to print it everytime you change something.

hope this helps

Answer 8

Do whatever you feel more comfortable with. Don't mess with the process.