Are you considering self-editing your book? While in theory self-editing has its pros, it also has its limits. Below, we’ll cover what self-editing can fix and what it can’t.
Let’s begin!
What Is Self-Editing?
Self-editing is, as the name implies, you edit your work yourself before you either publish or send it to an editor. This is a great step to take from getting the thoughts out on paper to shaping them into the story you’ve envisioned. It allows you to polish your work more efficiently.
What Can Self-Editing Fix?
- Clarity and flow – Have you ever written a thought that sounded clear in your head but doesn’t flow right on paper? When this happens, it’s easier for you to clarify the idea and fix the flow than for an editor who may not know the direction you were trying to go.
- Correct tone – You know the tone you’re trying to convey in your book better than anyone. Self-editing allows you to ensure every sentence matches the tone you’re going for.
- Basic grammar, misspellings, and typos – By carefully reading through your work, you’ll be able to catch basic grammar, misspelled words, or typos.
What Can Self-Editing Not Fix?
- Emotional aspect – As the writer, you’re too close to your work. Trying to read through it can make it difficult to accurately judge the emotional aspects of your book. This is where it’s best to have an outside and unbiased opinion.
- Over-editing your work – When you look at your work too long, it’s easy to over-critique your book. Doubting yourself isn’t uncommon, which can lead to chopping away at parts of your book that should stay. Sometimes the parts that writers want to edit out end up being the most magical parts of the book.
- Blind spots – Have you ever read through your work and your brain fills in what you originally meant to write down, but it’s not actually there? In actuality, the sentence doesn’t end up making sense. An editor can find the blind spots and fill them in. A fresh pair of eyes can be a good thing.
Tips When Self-Editing
Don’t self-edit your work the second you finish it. Give yourself a little break so you can read it with refreshed eyes. Also, when self-editing your work, put yourself in the mindset of a reader. You’re not writing for yourself; you’re writing for someone who has no context or any information before they begin. It’s important that, going in, you put yourself in that mindset; that way, you can fill in the gaps to ensure that a new reader clearly understands every aspect of your book.
Is Self-Editing Worth It?
Long story short – yes. Even though self-editing takes time, work, and effort, it’s worth it. If possible, it’s ideal to self-edit your work but also have an editor look it over. They will go over your work with a fine-tooth comb. Having a second pair of eyes look over your work is always better than one to prevent any errors from being missed.
In Conclusion
In the end, self-editing is a great tactic to use, but it should be added before it goes to an editor as opposed to a replacement.
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