Are you writing your first novel? Maybe you have completed several... Whichever one, congratulations on completing the first step in your journey to creating a polished, publishable manuscript! Whilst some may find self-editing daunting, mastering it is achievable for every author. In this blog post, we'll explore essential tips and techniques to help you refine your book baby into a literary gem!
Take a well-earned break before editing:
Once you have completed your first draft, it is important that you distance yourself from your manuscript for some time. Doing so allows you to return with fresh eyes, ensuring that the areas that need improvement are easier to identify.
Focus on the whole, not just the particulars:
A good starting point when self-editing is to focus on the overall structure, plot, character developments, and pacing. You want to look for inconsistencies, plot holes, and parts of your manuscript where the narrative may lag. Ensure you make notes on all revisions that may be necessary before diving into line edits!
Cut unnecessary words and sentences:
In order to tighten your prose, it is important that you trim any unnecessary words and sentences. These are also known as 'redundancies, filler words/phrases, and overly verbose passages'. Bear in mind when doing a thorough read through that every word should serve a purpose and contribute to the flow of your writing.
Show, don't tell:
Never underestimate the creative hub within the minds of your readers. Strive to show through vivid descriptions, sensory details, and compelling dialogue. It becomes far too easy for a reader to 'switch off' or 'disengage' if there is too much telling throughout your manuscript. Allow them to experience your words by engaging their senses and emotions.
Character voice and dialogue:
Each of your characters should have unique voices, and the dialogue they participate in should reflect this whilst also sounding authentic and natural. It is within this element that you want to look out for rhythm, pacing, and tone.
Cliches and overused phrases:
Keep an eye out for these common pitfalls, using cliches or overused phrases can weaken the impact of your writing and it can come across as unoriginal. Always strive to look for more creative, unique ways to express your ideas. Don't be afraid to be inventive or step outside the box!
Consistency and continuity:
Whether you are creating a fantasy world, or your novel is set in a town you know well, consistency plays a massive role in maintaining the validity of your story. Make separate sheets/notes to keep track of details such as settings, plot, character traits, and timelines. This will help to ensure they remain consistent throughout your manuscript.
Proofread thoroughly:
Once you have focused on the broader aspects of your story within the structure, you can then move on to the more finer details. When proofreading, ensure you thoroughly check for grammar, spelling errors, punctuation, and typos. At this stage, help can come from beta readers (some can be invaluable), or you could hire a professional like myself for an additional perspective.
Read aloud:
Microsoft Word has a read aloud function, if this is not the software you use to write your manuscript then your own voice is an amazing tool. Reading aloud can help you identify pacing issues, awkward phrases, and areas where the prose may sound less natural. It can also help to pick up issues within the rhythm and flow of your writing.
Know when to stop:
Editing can seem like a tedious and repetitious process, but I promise you there will be a light at the end of the tunnel where you trust in your work and can recognise that it's time to stop and let go. Although perfection may be a goal to aim for, striving for continuous improvement is what will lead you to grow as a writer. Recognising your own weaknesses as an author is something that comes with time, and eventually self-editing will become second nature when it does.
Even as a professional in this field, I always highly recommend that every author attempts self-editing time and time again. It is a vital skill that can be used to refine and elevate your writing to new heights. These tips and techniques I have listed above are a great way to start your process, and to continue to build confidence in yourself and your craft! Remember, self-editing is about your honing your skills and bringing your creative vision to life, as much as it is about fixing mistakes.
Now shelve that manuscript for a couple of weeks, start writing something new, then when you are ready to go back to it to self-edit, remember these tips :).
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