Ah, copyedits.

I just spent a wonderful day working on copyedits that had me deadline-crunched and stressed (they’re due next Monday). So, for all you writers out there, here is my checklist for a delightful copyediting experience.

1. When you get your copyedits back, DO NOT FREAK OUT that this is the LAST TIME you will ever get to FIX STUFF in your manuscript before readers & reviewers everywhere notice every tiny error and tear your entire book to shreds.
2. Instead, take a full vacation day from work.
3. Try to arrange it so that contractors are ripping out your bathroom so that you cannot work at home. This will not only prompt you to go to your local library and find yourself a comfy corner to work in all day, but will also help you build strong bonds of friendship since you will need to shower at a friend’s house. (Thank you, Julia.)
4. Get through your copyeditor’s line edits by lunchtime.
5. Take a break at noon and go to your local sushi restaurant. Enjoy hot tea, edamame and (veggie) sushi. Leave a nice tip because you sat there for over an hour.
6. Go back to your local library and finish entering your editor’s comments.
7. Log off and return home triumphant.