Self-editing is handled much like the standard three-step editing process. You first look at the overall story before going deeper into the content. The reason for this is that you may add, remove, or change entire chapters or at least paragraphs in the first pass. If you start at the deepest level, fixing typos, some of that work will prove unnecessary if you delete a paragraph you recently proofread. Likewise, if you add new content after you've proofread, then parts of your manuscript will need re-proofed.
To save you time and energy, I recommend performing three, focused editing rounds, where you go through your manuscript three times, each time looking at things from a different perspective, and mirroring the three phases of editing traditionally performed on fiction.
In Round 1, you will take a step back to look at the story overall. Here, you will look at the 3Ps: plot, people, and pacing. I'll give you shortcuts so you can confidently and quickly complete the first round.
In Round 2, you'll fix the story line by line. Here, you'll focus on the style you're using and common snags that pull readers out of the story. I'll give you a style sheet that you can personalize to make this step a breeze.
Last, in Round 3, you'll read your story out loud to make it shine. As a writer, you're likely an avid reader. And this step entails leveraging something you already love to do, and that's reading!
YOU ARE READING
The Tidy Guide to Writing, Editing, and Publishing Your Novel
Non-FictionDo you dream of writing a novel, but not sure where to start? Have you been working on a book for ages but feel stuck? Despite all your best efforts, do you feel overwhelmed? Here's a clutter-free guide for planning and writing your novel right the...
