Why Self Editing Matters (And Why It’s Not as Scary as You Think!)
So, you’ve typed “The End” on your manuscript. Congrats! Cue the confetti and imaginary applause—you’ve just accomplished what millions dream of doing. But before you print it out and declare it a literary masterpiece, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: Manuscript revision and self editing. Don’t roll your eyes just yet. Revision and editing doesn’t have to be the monster hiding under your writing desk.
Think of editing as giving your book a spa day. It’s about taking something already wonderful (because, hey, you wrote it!) and polishing it to perfection. It’s where you trim the fluff, smooth the wrinkles, and make sure your story shines like a diamond. If drafting is the creative whirlwind, editing is the thoughtful sculpting that turns raw ideas into something unforgettable.
The Myth of the Perfect First Draft
Let’s get one thing straight: nobody writes a perfect first draft. Not even the literary greats! Your first draft is meant to be messy. It’s a sandbox where you toss ideas, play around with characters, and figure out the plot. The real magic happens when you roll up your sleeves and dig into revisions.
In fact, editing is where most of the “ah-ha!” moments happen. Maybe your protagonist needs a stronger motivation, or that plot twist you loved doesn’t quite land. Self editing gives you the space to spot those issues and fix them. Think of it as leveling up your storytelling game.
You’re Not Alone in This
Here’s the good news: every writer faces the same challenges. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, staring at your manuscript like it’s a mountain to climb. But don’t panic! Editing doesn’t mean tearing your story apart—it’s more like fine-tuning a symphony.
Start small. Begin with the big-picture stuff, like your plot, characters, and pacing. Are there scenes that feel slow or out of place? Do your characters have clear goals and conflicts? Once those are nailed down, you can zoom in on the nitty-gritty: dialogue, grammar, and word choice.
The Mindset of a Master Editor
Here’s a little secret: self editing isn’t about finding flaws; it’s about discovering potential. Shift your mindset from “I need to fix this mess” to “How can I make this even better?”
Grab your favorite snack (editing is fueled by chocolate and coffee, obviously), set aside some dedicated time, and tackle one section at a time. Celebrate small wins, like reworking a clunky sentence or cutting out that one paragraph that didn’t really go anywhere.
Remember, editing isn’t a race. It’s a journey to bring out the best in your story. And trust me, future-you will thank present-you for putting in the effort.
Step 1: The Big Picture Edit (AKA the Bird’s-Eye View)
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s time to take a step back. Picture yourself floating above your manuscript like a literary drone. What do you see? Are your characters wandering aimlessly? Does your plot have more holes than Swiss cheese? The first step in editing is the big-picture edit, where you focus on the story’s structure, pacing, and overall flow.
The Story Rollercoaster: Is It Thrilling Enough?
Your story should feel like a rollercoaster ride—exciting, unpredictable, and occasionally a little scary (in the best way!). Ask yourself: does the plot have enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked? If the middle feels like a long, flat stretch of track, it’s time to inject some adrenaline.
Look for scenes that drag and ask yourself if they’re really pulling their weight. Do they advance the plot or develop your characters? If not, it might be time to cut them—or rework them into something juicier.
Characters: Are They Pulling Their Weight?
Your characters are the heart and soul of your story, so they’d better be pulling their weight. Does your protagonist have a clear goal? Do their decisions drive the story forward? If your characters are just along for the ride, it’s time to give them the wheel.
Also, check your supporting cast. Are they memorable? Or are they fading into the background like extras in a crowd scene? Each character should have a purpose, whether it’s creating conflict, providing comic relief, or helping the hero grow.
Pacing: Fast, Slow, and Just Right
Good pacing is like Goldilocks’ porridge—some parts should be fast and action-packed, while others should slow down for character moments and reflection. If your story feels rushed, slow it down by adding a little breathing room. If it drags, tighten things up.
A great way to spot pacing issues is to create a chapter-by-chapter summary of your manuscript. Does the tension build steadily? Do important events happen too close together or too far apart? Think of your story as a symphony, with moments of crescendo and quiet interludes.
The Tough Love Cut: Kill Your Darlings
Now comes the hard part: letting go of the things you love that just don’t fit. Maybe it’s that hilarious scene that doesn’t advance the plot or a side character that’s stealing the spotlight. Cutting isn’t about erasing your brilliance—it’s about focusing it.
Here’s a tip: create a “graveyard” file for everything you cut. That way, you’re not saying goodbye forever. Who knows? That quirky character might star in your next book, or that deleted scene could inspire a short story.
One of my mentors and successful writer friends, Rachel Aaron, told me an interesting story about her first book. She never published it! But she’s used a ton of different pieces of it in the over 26 books she’s published since.
Step 2: Diving into the Details (The Line-by-Line Edit)
Congratulations! You’ve tackled the big stuff, and your story’s foundation is solid. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty: the line-by-line edit. This is where you polish your sentences, tighten your prose, and make your manuscript sing.
Words, Words, Words: Making Every One Count
When it comes to editing, less is often more. Readers don’t need a three-paragraph description of your protagonist’s morning coffee ritual (unless it’s plot-critical coffee, of course). Look for places where you can trim the fat—repetition, over-explaining, and unnecessary adjectives are prime suspects.
For example:
- Overloaded sentence: The incredibly tall, impossibly thin man walked awkwardly across the exceptionally large room.
- Trimmed version: The lanky man shuffled across the cavernous room.
See? Same idea, fewer words. And it’s so much cleaner!
Banishing the Clunky and Clichéd
Let’s talk about those clunky sentences and tired clichés lurking in your manuscript. You know, the ones that make you cringe on a second read. Phrases like “her heart pounded like a drum” or “he was as cold as ice” can feel overused and, let’s be honest, a little lazy.
Instead, aim for fresh, specific imagery. Think about how your character feels in the moment and describe it in a way that’s unique to them. Maybe her heart isn’t pounding like a drum—maybe it’s doing an awkward jazz beat because she’s terrified and trying to act cool.
Dialogue: Keeping It Real
Bad dialogue is like bad acting—it pulls readers right out of the story. During your line edit, read your dialogue out loud. Does it sound like something a real person would say? Or does it sound like a robot trying to pass for human?
Great dialogue is snappy, revealing, and flows naturally. It should show your characters’ personalities and relationships. Cut out unnecessary small talk (unless it serves a purpose) and make sure each line of dialogue is doing something—advancing the plot, building tension, or giving insight into the character.
Watch for Word Echoes
Word echoes are sneaky little things. That’s when the same word or phrase pops up too often in close proximity. It can make your writing feel repetitive and clunky.
For example:
- Echoed words: She looked at him, looked at the floor, and then looked at her phone.
- Edited version: She glanced at him, dropped her eyes to the floor, and then checked her phone.
Easy fix, right?
Tightening Those Sentences
Finally, make each sentence work as hard as possible. Could a single word replace a whole phrase? Could two sentences combine into one stronger one? Self editing isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong—it’s about making good writing great.
Step 3: The Final Polish (Making Your Manuscript Shine)
You’ve tackled the big picture and the fine details—well done! Now it’s time for the final polish. This is the cherry on top, the sparkle that makes your manuscript irresistible to readers (and agents or publishers, if that’s your goal). Think of this step as proofreading on steroids.
The Power of Fresh Eyes
First things first: step away from your manuscript. No, seriously, take a break! Whether it’s a few days or a couple of weeks, giving yourself some distance lets you see your work with fresh eyes. When you come back, you’ll spot things you missed before—awkward phrases, typos, or that one scene where your protagonist’s cat inexplicably changes names halfway through.
Better yet, consider enlisting a beta reader or critique partner. A fresh set of eyes can catch inconsistencies and offer valuable feedback on things you might have overlooked.
The Grammar and Punctuation Gauntlet
Now’s the time to channel your inner grammar ninja. Look for those pesky mistakes that can slip past even the sharpest writers. Common culprits include:
- Misplaced commas (the difference between “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” is huge).
- Run-on sentences that leave your readers gasping for breath.
- Homophones like “their,” “there,” and “they’re”—they’ll sneak up on you!
If grammar isn’t your strong suit, don’t sweat it. Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid are your best friends at this stage. But remember, no software is perfect, so always give it a human touch.
Formatting Like a Pro
Your manuscript’s formatting matters more than you think. A clean, professional layout isn’t just pleasing to the eye—it shows you’re serious about your craft. Stick to industry standards, like:
- Double-spaced text
- 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial are safe bets)
- One-inch margins all around
And if you’re submitting to agents or publishers, check their guidelines. Nothing screams “rookie mistake” like submitting single-spaced text when double-spacing was requested.
The Read-Aloud Test
Here’s a game-changer: read your manuscript out loud. It might feel weird at first, but this trick catches awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and sentences that just don’t flow. You’ll hear things your eyes might gloss over.
Better yet, try having your computer read it to you. Hearing your story in a robotic voice might not be glamorous, but it’s surprisingly effective at highlighting issues.
Celebrate Your Success!
Once you’ve polished your manuscript to a gleaming finish, take a moment to celebrate. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your story, and now it’s ready to meet the world. Whether you’re sending it to an agent, self-publishing, or just sharing it with friends, you’ve earned the right to be proud.
Remember, self editing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every round of edits brings you closer to the story you’ve always wanted to tell.
