Self-editing is a crucial step in the writing process that allows you to refine and polish your manuscript before sending it off to a professional editor or agent. By mastering self-editing techniques, you can ensure that your novel is in the best possible shape before sharing it with others. In this lesson, we will explore some key strategies for self-editing that will help you elevate your writing to the next level.

One effective self-editing technique is to read your manuscript aloud. This will help you catch any awkward phrasings, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in your writing. Another important tip is to take a break between writing and editing. Giving yourself some distance from your work will allow you to come back to it with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective. Additionally, creating a checklist of common editing issues, such as spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and plot inconsistencies, can help you stay organized and focused during the editing process.

Step 1: Step Away First

After finishing your draft, don’t dive into editing right away.

Take a break — at least a few days, or a week. This helps you come back with fresh eyes so you can actually see what’s working and what’s not.

Step 2: Print It Out or Change the Format

This is a game-changer. Reading your story on paper, or in a different font or layout, tricks your brain into seeing it like a reader instead of a writer.

Why it helps:

• You catch awkward sentences faster
• You notice scenes that drag or feel forced
• You can scribble real notes in the margins

Read it out loud. You’ll hear what sounds off immediately.

Step 3: Don’t Just Fix Grammar — Fix the Story

Too many writers only fix typos... but real editing is about asking big questions like:

• Does this scene need to be here?
• Is my character growing, or just reacting?
• Am I showing emotion, or just telling it?
• Is the pacing too fast, too slow, or just right?
• Are my side characters adding to the plot — or just standing around?
• Cut what doesn’t serve the story. Even if it’s beautifully written.

Step 4: Do It in Rounds

Don’t try to fix everything at once. Break your editing into rounds:

1. Big-picture round (plot, structure, character arcs)
2. Scene-level round (pacing, dialogue, emotion)
3. Line editing (sentence flow, grammar, polish)

Editing Reminder:

Writing is rewriting. Your first draft doesn’t have to be good. It just has to exist — so you have something real to shape.