My Editing Spreadsheet

Update: ACCESS MY spreadsheet template here.

I wish I could fly by the seat of my pants while editing a novel, but I’m not that type of writer. After making line-edits in my physical manuscript, I knew I would need a structure to ensure that all those notes made their way into my digital draft.

Enter: THE SPREADSHEET. Here’s what it looks like at the outset of this edit-implementation:

The first two columns are self-explanatory, mimicking how I’ve divided my novel. Column C (currently hidden) labels each chapter by POV.

Next up are my favorites: dropdown menus for the type of edits needed. I’ve included the following:

• Minor edits only

• Scene rework(s)

• Continuity fix(es)

• Add detail(s)

• Character work

There’s overlap for some chapters — sometimes I need to both fix continuity and add some more detail, for example — but to me, the former requires a bit more work, so I’ve let that label supercede the latter.

After that, I have a “Status” dropdown. This one’s simple:

• Not yet started

• In progress

• Stuck

• Complete

My favorite thing about this is that it helps me easily flit between chapters as my mood fits without losing track of where I’m at. It’ll also be supremely satisfying to see this column slowly change to green!

Lastly, and perhaps my favorite, is the “Rating” column. I instituted this star-rating method when I completely overhauled one of my POVs earlier this year. It helped me view the story in a more positive light as I faced a mountain of work.

Even though this draft still needs improvement, it buoys my spirits to acknowledge where the story shines. I’m really proud of several chapters of this book. Even some of the chapters that don’t necessarily “spark joy” are functional and move the plot forward.

As a reader, I’m used to viewing other people’s works in this light — why not view my own work this way? After all, even books that I’ve “rated” two stars are ones that have been published and read by so many readers!

I might work on a blank template of this to share with other writers down the road. Keep an eye out for a free download on my site soon.

Update: you can find the editing spreadsheet template here.

Happy writing!