How To Read Your Book Like an Editor
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
Release Date: 07/07/2026
You Don't Have To Remember Everything To Write Your Story
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
Have you ever thought about writing your story and immediately stopped yourself because you don’t remember enough? Maybe you remember the big moments, but not the dates. Maybe entire years feel fuzzy. Maybe you remember what happened but can’t recall the exact conversation. Or maybe you’ve compared memories with a sibling and discovered the two of you remember the same event very differently. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to remember everything to write your story. In this episode of The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, I’m continuing my series inspired...
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How To Start Writing Your Story When You Don't Know Where To Begin
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr. You know you have a story to tell. You may have carried it with you for years. You’ve thought about writing it. You may have even told pieces of it to friends or family. But then you sit down in front of a blank page…and nothing comes. In this episode of The Edit, I’m answering a question from listener Jackson, who asked how to begin writing his story when, no matter how hard he tries, he simply can’t seem to get anything onto the page. And Jackson is definitely not alone. Beginning...
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Sharing Your Story - Why Ordinary Stories Matter
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou What if the most meaningful part of your vacation wasn't the destination... but the people you met? After returning from Cozumel, Mexico, Holly realized she wasn't thinking about the beaches, the restaurants, or the excursions. She was thinking about the people she met—and the stories they shared. A grandfather whose family grew out of unimaginable loss. A young man whose passion for his hometown reminded her that stories bridge cultures. A hardworking waitress whose quiet determination challenged every...
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Book Publishing, Editing, and Protecting Your Voice
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
"You are the actor or actress in your story... but it's not just for you." — Lesley George Last week, bestselling publisher and confidence coach Lesley George reminded us that every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement. This week, we continue that conversation by exploring what happens after you decide to write. We talk about the publishing journey, the fears many writers carry into the editing process, and why the right publishing team should protect your voice—not replace it. One of the most powerful moments in this conversation...
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Authentic Storytelling, Writing Confidence, and Finding Your Voice with Lesley George
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
"Every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement when it is used with courage and clarity." — Lesley George What gives us permission to tell our stories? For many writers, it isn't a lack of ideas that keeps them stuck—it's a lack of confidence. We question whether our stories matter, whether anyone will care, or whether we're qualified to write the book that's been on our hearts. In this first half of my conversation with bestselling publisher, confidence coach, and founder of Mosaic Publishing, Lesley George, we explore the connection...
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How To Read Your Book Like an Editor
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
"Easy reading is damn hard writing." — Nathaniel Hawthorne Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment—but it's not the finish line. It's the beginning of revision. In last week's episode, we celebrated typing The End. This week, we're opening that manuscript again and answering one of the biggest questions every writer eventually asks: "Where do I even start?" The answer may surprise you. Most writers immediately begin fixing grammar, rewriting sentences, and polishing paragraphs. But that's like choosing paint colors before you've decided whether the walls belong where they are....
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You Finished Your First Draft - Now What?
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
Finishing your first draft is one of the biggest accomplishments in a writer's journey. Yet for many writers, those two words—The End—don't bring relief. They bring uncertainty. Now what? Do you start editing immediately? Rewrite the first chapter? Send it to beta readers? Hire an editor? Or quietly close the document because you're afraid of what you'll find? In this episode of The Edit, Holly walks you through what should happen after your first draft is complete—and why the space between finishing your manuscript and beginning revisions may be one of the most valuable parts of the...
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What a Third-Grade Story Stand Taught Me About Writing, Editing, and Voice
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
What can two third-grade girls, a card table, and a stack of handwritten stories teach us about writing? More than you might think. In this episode of The Edit, Holly shares a childhood memory that helped shape her beliefs about storytelling, editing, and authentic voice long before she knew those words would become part of her career. Back in the 1970s, Holly and her best friend, Anne Marie, opened a "Story Stand" in their neighborhood. Instead of selling lemonade, they sold stories—fiction, nonfiction, poems, and even custom-written tales based on customer requests. Looking back, Holly...
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8 Lessons in Writing, Editing, and Publishing
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
In this special bonus episode of The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice, Holly takes a step back from her conversation with author Hadley Kibbe to explore the writing, editing, and publishing lessons hidden within Hadley's story. While Hadley's books were inspired by ranch life, motherhood, faith, and her son, the lessons behind her writing journey apply to every writer—whether you're working on a children's book, memoir, devotional, business book, blog, or personal story. Holly breaks down eight powerful lessons that every writer can use to create more authentic, meaningful...
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Writing From The Heart: Faith, Family, And Finding Your Voice
The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing
What happens when a ranch-raised cowgirl, rodeo competitor, songwriter, photographer, wife, mother, and follower of Jesus decides to write books for her son? In this heartfelt conversation, Holly sits down with Hadley Ann Kibbe, a former student-turned-author whose life is deeply rooted in faith, family, and the Western way of life. Together, they explore the stories behind The Cow Kid Series, the lessons motherhood has taught her, and why perfection should never stand in the way of sharing your story. Hadley shares how her experiences growing up on a ranch, competing in rodeo, becoming a...
info_outline"Easy reading is damn hard writing." — Nathaniel Hawthorne
Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment—but it's not the finish line. It's the beginning of revision.
In last week's episode, we celebrated typing The End. This week, we're opening that manuscript again and answering one of the biggest questions every writer eventually asks:
"Where do I even start?"
The answer may surprise you.
Most writers immediately begin fixing grammar, rewriting sentences, and polishing paragraphs. But that's like choosing paint colors before you've decided whether the walls belong where they are.
In this episode of The Edit, Holly walks you through a simple five-pass editing process that helps you step back, see your manuscript the way an editor does, and revise with confidence instead of overwhelm.
Whether you're writing a memoir, nonfiction book, business book, or novel, these strategies will help you focus on the right things in the right order—saving time, reducing frustration, and creating a stronger book.
In This Episode
- Why most writers start revising in the wrong place
- The "remodeling a house" analogy that changes the way you'll think about editing
- How professional editors learn to see the big picture before fixing the details
- Why trying to edit everything at once leads to overwhelm
- A practical five-pass revision process you can use with every manuscript
- How to protect your authentic voice throughout revision
- Why clarity is always more powerful than sounding impressive
- The difference between polishing words and strengthening your message
The Five Revision Passes
Pass One: Read Like a Reader
Resist the urge to edit. Simply experience your manuscript as your readers will. Notice what works, what drags, what surprises you, and where your attention begins to wander.
Pass Two: Look at the Big Picture
Examine the structure of your book. Does every chapter serve a purpose? Is your message clear? Are ideas in the right order? This is where you strengthen the foundation before worrying about the details.
Pass Three: Protect Your Voice
One of the most important questions you can ask is:
"Does this still sound like me?"
During revision, it's easy to become more formal, over-explain ideas, or accidentally edit away the personality that makes your writing unique. Your readers connected with your perspective—don't lose it while trying to sound more "writerly."
Pass Four: Read Through Your Reader's Eyes
Shift your focus from yourself to the person holding your book.
Ask:
- Where might they become confused?
- Where do they need another example?
- Where will they feel encouraged?
- Where are they most engaged?
- Does every chapter move them forward?
Every chapter should take your reader somewhere emotionally, mentally, practically—or all three.
Pass Five: Now It's Time to Edit
Only after you've strengthened the structure, protected your voice, and improved the reader's experience is it time to polish:
- Grammar
- Word choice
- Sentence flow
- Transitions
- Readability
- Final proofreading
Editing matters—but only after the book itself is solid.
A Thought to Remember
Revision isn't about making your writing sound smarter.
It's about making your writing clearer.
Sometimes the strongest revision isn't adding more words—it's removing the ones that don't serve the reader.
Simple writing isn't shallow.
Simple writing builds trust.
Key Takeaways
- Read before you revise.
- Fix the big picture before the small details.
- Protect your authentic voice.
- Think like your reader.
- Save grammar and polishing for last.
- Connection matters more than perfection.
Favorite Quote from This Episode
"Your first draft proved that you could write the book. Your revisions are where you shape that book into something your readers will remember."
Resources
If this episode encouraged you, share it with another writer who has just finished a first draft. Chances are, they're asking the same question:
"What do I do now?"
You don't have to revise perfectly.
You just have to know where to begin.
Connect with Holly Totten
Website: https://www.writelynotable.com
https://calendly.com/gatheredwithpurpose/line-editing-30-min
Email: writelynotable@gmail.com
Podcast: The Edit – Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice
If you're enjoying The Edit, please consider following the show, leaving a review, and sharing it with another writer. It helps more storytellers discover the podcast and reminds them that they don't have to navigate the writing journey alone.
And remember…
Your Story without Your Voice is Only Words.