5 Self Editing Tips for Authors and Other Writers

Editing. I used to hate it. But I’ve learned to love it. I’ve changed my perspective after editing my first book, Zombie Turkeys.These 5 self editing tips I’m giving you in this blog post really made it easier for me to edit and create better writing.

I will give you a free tool below to help you with editing!

First Tip – Don’t Edit Your First Draft

You’ve gotta love the first editing tip of the 5 self editing tips: don’t edit. That is, don’t let worry about known or unknown mistakes slow or stop you from finishing your first draft. Rather, get your first draft complete first. Ignore any errors, knowing you’ll have a chance to fix or correct them after the first draft.

As the fantasy writer Terry Pratchett said: ‘The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.’

Second Tip: Take Notes During Your First Draft

Next, if you notice problems during your first draft, don’t forget about them; make note of them, right there in your first draft. I use Microsoft Word comments to do this. You can read all about how in my blog post, 5 Microsoft Word Tips You Can Use. This way you’ll remember what you wanted to change later when you edit.

Third Tip: Create a Scene Timeline

Now, what’s a ‘scene timeline’? For every scene in your first draft, mark down the date and time in which the scene occurs.  I’ve found plot logic and timing errors this way. You may also want to place your scene on a day of a week.

This tip will also help you find missing scenes and misplaced scenes. Rearranging your scenes and adding new ones are all part of your editing process.

Fourth Tip: Use a Scene Spreadsheet

Here comes my free giveaway for you!  You can use this Excel spreadsheet to plan your scenes, your chapters, and create your scene timeline, all at once.

Example of scene spreadsheet from My Undead Mother-in-law

This is the actual spreadsheet I’m using for My Undead Mother-in-law. I’m sure you’ll find the same benefits I do.

How do you get it? First contact me and ask for it. Next, sign up for my free newsletter. That way, you won’t miss any other great giveaways I have.

The Final Tip of 5 Self Editing Tips: Prioritize Your Edits

This next tip is the most important one of all. You have your notes of what to change you took during the first draft. Then you have your scene timeline with the additional notes on what to change. First, put all the changes in a big list. Then tackle the most important ones first: plot contradictions, unbelievable characters, out of sequence scenes. Don’t worry about what order the changes appear in your book.

After you’ve corrected the big problems, work on lesser issues: smaller details like active sentences versus passive. Doesn’t “She slapped his face” sound better than “His face was slapped by her”? Go through your word usage and look for repeated words. Look for the best, most vivid descriptions.

Finally, work on your grammar and spelling. When you think you’re done, you’re not.

The Ultimate, Final, Bonus Tip

I always like to give you more than you expect. This next tip I can’t leave out.

Read your edited manuscript out loud. Seriously. The whole thing, from beginning to end.

You’ll be amazed at what you learn about your writing.

I did, when I finally read my book.