Based on the Eight’s feedback of the novel — plus my notes — 77 areas require editorial attention. Each issue has a ranking of 1 to 5, 5 being critical, 1 being less so.
Triage ranking breakout for the 77 points:
21 5’s
20 4’s
24 3’s
10 2’s
2 1’s
While the triage matrix is accurate relative to feedback received, the count is misleading; it excludes grammar concern. This is not to downplay the importance of mechanics, only that I see it as an low-level issue buoyed by the revision process. As flow, plot and technical details improve, so too does grammar. Since I’ll tackle grammar in a second pass almost exclusively, the tally omits all but the most blatant clunkers.
To sum up my priorities for this revision:
1) Character psychology. Would a character do, say, or think what was written?
2) Plausibility. Point by point, does a scene add to the story? Does it fit with the scene before and after?
3) All darlings must die. Enough said.
4) Technical details. Now is the time to verify the chemical process that makes the leaves turn colors during fall.
Today I plot out a time estimate for the revisions. I’m aiming for a feasible delivery schedule that allows for winter illness and a snowmobiling trip.
Edits start tomorrow, possibly today.
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/leaves/leaves.htm
and here you will find the answer to your question – Both chlorophyll and carotenoids are present in the chloroplasts of leaf cells throughout the growing season. Most anthocyanins are produced in the autumn, in response to bright light and excess plant sugars within leaf cells.
During the growing season, chlorophyll is continually being produced and broken down and leaves appear green. As night length increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that are present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colors.
Thanks Editor person. Now to make that sound less…academic.