To cut to the chase a bit, yes, you still need professional editing if you edit your manuscript yourself (and you should!). However, you can keep editing costs down by doing some important work before you hand over your book to an editor. But self-editing can be a challenge, especially if you’ve been staring at your manuscript for months on end. Here are some tips to help you effectively self-edit:
Take a break
After you finish your first draft, take a break before you start editing. This will give you a fresh perspective and help you approach your work with a more critical eye. You can take a few days, a week, or even longer, depending on the length of your work, your schedule, and how much of a break your brain needs. When you return to your writing, you'll be able to see it with a new perspective and identify areas that need improvement.
Read aloud
Reading your work aloud is a great way to spot errors and identify areas that need work. When you read aloud, you'll be able to hear the rhythm and flow of your writing and identify awkward phrases or sentences that need reworking. You can also use text-to-speech software to have your work read aloud to you, which can be helpful for identifying errors that you might miss when reading silently. Conveniently, Word has a read aloud feature under the Review tab.
Focus on one thing at a time
When you're editing, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of things that need to be fixed. To make the process more manageable, focus on one thing at a time. For example, you might focus on eliminating passive voice, improving sentence structure, or correcting grammar errors at different times. By breaking down the editing process into smaller, more manageable tasks, you'll be able to make more progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Use online tools
There are many online tools that can help you self-edit your work. Grammarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAid are just a few examples of tools that can help you identify errors and improve your writing. These tools can be especially helpful for new writers who may not be familiar with the rules of grammar and punctuation. But please note these are not substitutions for a professional, human editor. There are elements and nuances that only a human being can pick up on and correct.
Seek feedback
Finally, seek feedback from others. This could be from friends, family members, or other writers. Ask them to read your work and provide feedback on areas that need improvement. You can also join writing groups or online communities where you can share your work and receive feedback from other writers. You could also hire a beta reader—they usually don’t cost too much. Feedback can be tough to hear sometimes, but it's an essential part of the writing process and can help you become better at your craft.
Self-editing is an important step in the writing process. By taking a break, reading aloud, focusing on one thing at a time, using online tools, and seeking feedback, you can improve your writing and make the editing process less daunting. Remember to be patient with yourself. Editing is hard work!
Do you have a self-editing tip that has proven to be beneficial? Reach out and share it with me!
