Rewriting and editing process of novel?

Rex

Member
Just wanted to know your opinion on something which is bothering me... how many times do you completely go over your finished manuscript? I mean, I tend to write the novel which takes a year, and then I go over it five times, which takes 5-6 months to perfect it.

Now, I'm just curious as to other writers tendencies when they have a finished article to polish off. No matter how many times I edit it, and have beta-readers highlighting the minor erros; I never feel wholly satisfied with the novel. I'm always picky, and self-criticising by nature, to the point that I procrastenate. Even after four attempts at scanning through my book, I find grammatical and punctual errors... or I don't like the adjective or verb in use -- or I don't think it flows smoothly enough etc...

So, I'm wanting to hear your methods of finalising your finished manuscript without getting a little OCD and destructive. Thanks for your time. All input will be read with interest.
 
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