If you’re a self-published author, editing is one of those jobs that traditional publishers usually handle, but now it’s on your plate. The good news? Editing is just part of being a writer, and there’s no reason you can’t tackle your own manuscript. Plus, experienced editors like us are here to help as freelancers when you need backup.
Think editing sounds tough? It’s really not. Here are some practical tips that work for first-time editors.
Editing: The Second Step
Edit your book second, not first. Obviously, you need to write the thing before you can fix it. Don’t get tangled up thinking about editing while you’re still writing. Your brain will get stuck on questions that belong in the editing phase, not the creative one.
When you write, let it flow. Don’t worry about how to edit a book later. Let spelling mistakes happen. You can catch them later.
Once you’ve got the bones of your story down, then you’re ready to edit.
Using Grammarly for Better Grammar
Before you dive into serious editing, run your manuscript through a good spellchecking tool. There are tons of free and paid options out there. Grammarly is solid and gets used by thousands of freelancers, writers, and journalists every day.
It’ll catch spelling and grammar mistakes you missed, plus repetitive words. Get that clean-up done first, then start looking for bigger changes you want to make.
Online Dictionaries and Thesauruses Are Your Friend
Bookmark some good online dictionaries and thesauruses, or install them on your computer. When you’re editing, you’ll constantly notice you’ve used the same word three times in one paragraph, or you’ll want to say something differently. Online tools beat hauling out heavy reference books every time.
Use a Secondary Reader
Here’s what’s going to happen: partway through editing, you’ll feel completely lost. You’ll think you’re cutting the wrong scenes, or you’ll stare at a chapter and have no clue how to fix it. This happens to everyone. Every writer and editor goes through this.
The solution? Get reliable secondary readers (beta-readers) to look at your manuscript during editing. They give you feedback when you’re stuck and can’t see the forest for the trees. When something isn’t working or could be clearer, beta-readers will tell you straight up.
Let Your Manuscript Stew
Don’t jump straight from writing to editing. Let your manuscript sit for a while after you finish it. Writing is exhausting, and if you edit too soon, you’ll have blind spots everywhere. Give it some time, whether that’s a few days or a few weeks. When you come back to it, it’ll feel like reading someone else’s work.
This prevents decision fatigue, which is exactly what it sounds like: your brain gets worn out from making too many choices in a short time.