Self-Editing Made Simple: Tips from an Editor

As a writer, the joy of creating can be dampened when confronted with the daunting task of editing. However, editing should not be seen as a necessary evil, but rather a crucial aspect of the writing process. In fact, some people even enjoy editing! To help writers approach self-editing with ease, we’ve compiled some tips from an editor to help make your writing even better.

1. Step Back!

After spending significant time writing and pouring your heart onto the pages, it can be difficult to approach your work from an objective viewpoint. To gain a fresh perspective, it’s important to take a break before beginning the self-editing process. Set aside your manuscript for at least two days, or ideally a week or a month, to allow yourself to forget about the writing and let some time pass. Once you return to your work, you’ll be able to view it with a clear and objective eye similar to that of a reader. Another tactic to try is to change the viewing format of your manuscript. If you’ve been working on a computer, try printing it out or downloading it onto an eReader, which can provide a new perspective and help you see your work in a new light.

2. Look at the Big Picture First!

Before diving into the details of spelling and grammar, it’s important to focus on structural editing. Without a solid foundation, polishing those details is futile. Take a step back from the details and approach your writing from an aerial view. Consider the narrative sequence, scene transitions, character development, pacing, and world-building. Is the message of your piece coming through clearly? Do your characters feel real and developed? Are the scenes necessary to the progression of the plot? Taking time to analyze the larger structural issues can help ensure that the final product is polished and effective.

3. Forget About Your Habit Words

Each writer has their own set of habit words or phrases that can plague their writing like a cancer. Common habit words include “so,” “was,” “actually,” “literally,” “that,” and “had,” as well as repeating phrases that you may enjoy. Before sending your manuscript to an editor, make sure to eliminate these habit words and phrases. There are plenty of other words in the English language to use as replacements, but be mindful not to use words that may be too pretentious or difficult to understand.

4. The Details Create the Rhythm

Once the larger structural issues have been addressed, it’s time to focus on the details – this is the step that can make or break the final product. Simplify convoluted sentences, condense wordy parts, fix grammar mistakes, and make sure everything flows smoothly. Although this step may be monotonous and repetitive, it’s essential to ensuring that the writing is polished and ready for publication. Keep in mind that by taking the time to perfect this step, you’re not taking away from the work of an editor, who will repeat this process again. Instead, you’re ensuring that the writing sounds exactly how you intend it, and the editor can focus on finding and fixing any remaining problems to make sure the work is clear.

Conclusion

Self-editing can seem like a daunting task, especially for those writers who are hesitant to approach it. However, with these helpful tips from an editor, editing can be simple, straightforward, and effective. By taking a step back to gain a fresh perspective, focusing on structural editing before diving into the details, eliminating habit words and phrases, and attending to the details that create rhythm and flow, writers can add significant value to their work. Remember, the purpose of editing is to improve the writing and make it the best it can be, so don’t be afraid to take the time and effort required to perfect your work.