Regardless of whether or not you choose to hire a professional editor, learning how to self-edit is a crucial part of your writing journey.
Not only does it save you time and money, but it also ensures that you focus on more in-depth aspects of your writing as well as fixing basic errors.
Here is my list of the ten most important elements:
1. Take a Break: First, give yourself some time away from your manuscript. For a novel, I would suggest an absolute minimum of three months. It can provide you with the fresh perspective needed to see errors and inconsistencies you might have missed.
2. Read Aloud: Reading your text aloud is surprisingly effective for catching awkward phrasings, repetitive words, and grammatical mistakes. It also helps in checking the flow and pace of your writing.
3. Simplify Your Sentences: Look for opportunities to simplify your writing. Long, complex sentences can be hard to follow, so break them down into shorter, clearer ones. This makes your writing more accessible and engaging.
4. Check for Consistency: Ensure consistency in your narrative. Pay attention to character details (like eye colour or age), plot points, and settings. Consistency helps maintain immersion and trust in your storytelling.
5. Focus on Show, Don’t Tell: Where possible, show action through scenes and dialogue instead of summarising it. This technique helps bring your story to life and allows the reader to experience the story alongside the characters.
6. Each Scene Must Have A Point: We’ve all heard the phrase, “Kill your darlings”. You may have spent ages crafting a wonderful chapter 8 that you’re supremely proud of, but if it doesn’t fit your story, it doesn’t belong there. Each and every scene and chapter has to justify its place.
7. Eliminate Filter Words: Words like “saw”, “thought”, “knew”, or “felt” can distance the reader from the action. Try rewriting these sentences to bring the reader closer to the character’s direct experience.
8. Use Spell Check and Grammar Tools: Okay, sometimes you may want to disregard the advice for a specific reason, but tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or even your word processor’s built-in spell check can spot mistakes that you might overlook. Always worth a look, just in case.
9. Get Feedback: If possible, get feedback from beta readers or writing peers before you send your manuscript to an editor. They can offer valuable insights and point out issues you may not have noticed.
10. Final Read-Through: Finally, do one last read-through. At this stage, focus on the overall coherence of the narrative and the effectiveness of your revisions.
By the time your manuscript reaches an editor, and I would highly recommend that you go down that route, it should be the best version you can make it. This not only makes their job easier but also helps you get the most value out of the editing process, ensuring a polished and compelling final product.
If you’d like more information about self-editing, check out my book, The Wordsmith’s Guide to Editing Your Own Novel.
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