Tag: self-editing

It's easier to find flaws in someone else's work than it is in your own. There's a lot you can do to minimize errors and make your writing shine, but another set of eyes on your work is always a good idea.

Reviewing your writing from an editor's perspective can be a challenge, even for experienced writers. Here are strategies that can help you bring fresh eyes to your written work.

You won’t catch every error in your manuscript. Only one kind of magical spirit can pull off such wizardry — professional editors. You should hire one if you’re serious about this whole publishing thing.

Be mindful of your work’s impact, implications, strengths, and weaknesses — at the micro and macro levels — to be a more powerful and versatile writer.

Self-editing a piece slated for publishing goes beyond spell-checking your work. These writing mistakes should also be addressed to ensure your writing is clear, vibrant, and effective.

The process of developing and polishing a complete draft should be one of the most creative times in a project. This is your final chance to hone your story based on the best of your ideas and refine your style to boost your substance.

You may have typed "the end" on the last page of your manuscript, but it's not ready to be sent to your editor. These nine steps will help clarify what you need to do before you ship your book off for editing.