editing a long manuscript

I have a rough draft of 120k words. It is very unfinished (duh), and I need to edit it. How might I go about doing this?

I've heard that I should spend some time just not touching the manuscript at all, reading other things, and cleansing my palate. Is this true? Also, are there any general tips that you guys have for doing this?

I have the same issue, I don't really feel that "cleansing yourself" is really all that true. You don't work on it for a day and that's probably a big deal as is.

Generally, I think if you have some writing group that is the best place to get actual critique. You critique one another's works (this may take awhile) and you get feedback, then you can work on the 2nd draft of it.

Actually, I would suggest giving yourself one or two days away from it just as a break, and then get back to it.

I only tried this a few times, but try shifting appearances. For example, changing the font, or transferring parts of your manuscript onto Google Docs.

In fact, try looking at it scene-by-scene.

Based on my experience, I'll offer this bit of advice: be prepared to write, edit, feel good about the piece, then feel paranoid, re-edit, feel good about the piece, then feel paranoid, and edit again. Repeat infinitely until you finally decide enough is enough (or you die first).

Yes, I'd definitely say that stepping back from your manuscript after editing is a good idea. When you dive back in a second/third/Xth time, you'll be more likely to see a part you thought was essential as unnecessary.

Also, make sure that when you're editing (especially with a longer piece), be sure that the old stuff matches up with the new stuff. I recommend keeping either a spiral notebook or a file of changes you want/need to make. Be especially careful with a quote from a character; those were the things that always gave me a lot of trouble.

My biggest recommendation is to find a good rhythm. Know how much you want to edit at a time and go for it. Know what you want to put in, and get it in there when you find a good opening (like before/after you've gotten the changes to old stuff in first). Basically, just find a system that works for you. And...try not to go insane.