Self-Editing Success: Tips for Polishing Your Work in Progress

Self-editing is a crucial yet often overlooked step in the writing process. It’s the phase where you refine your manuscript, making it the best it can be before sharing it with others—whether that’s a beta reader, a writing coach, or a professional editor.

While self-editing can be challenging, it’s also an incredibly rewarding process that helps you improve your writing skills and bring clarity to your work. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential self-editing tips that will enhance your writing and help you produce a polished, professional draft.

1. Shorten Paragraphs for Better Readability

Long paragraphs can be daunting for readers and can lead to "reader fatigue." They can create a wall of text that feels overwhelming and difficult to navigate. When a reader encounters a long paragraph, they may lose focus or even skip over important details. To avoid this, break down large chunks of text into shorter, more manageable paragraphs.

Shorter paragraphs improve readability by creating more white space on the page, which helps the reader’s eye move smoothly through the content. This approach also allows you to emphasize key points more effectively. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or theme, making your writing clearer and more engaging.

2. Correct Punctuation Placement

Punctuation may seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in maintaining the professionalism and clarity of your writing. One common area where writers make mistakes is in the placement of periods and commas in relation to quotation marks.

In American English, the standard rule is to place periods and commas inside quotation marks. This rule applies whether you’re quoting a full sentence or simply emphasizing a word or phrase.

Example:

• Incorrect: She said, “The research is complete”.
• Correct: She said, “The research is complete.”

Even when using quotation marks for emphasis, the punctuation should still be placed inside:

• Incorrect: They told me I was the "right choice”.
• Correct: They told me I was the "right choice.”

3. Eliminate Redundancies

Redundancies are repetitive phrases or ideas that add unnecessary bulk to your writing without contributing any new information. Eliminating these redundancies helps streamline your writing, making it more concise and impactful.

A common example of redundancy is the phrase “in my personal opinion.” The word "opinion" already implies that it is personal, so the word "personal" is redundant.

Example:

• Redundant: “In my personal opinion, I believe that...”
• Concise: “I believe that...”

By trimming redundant phrases, you create a more direct and powerful narrative that resonates with your readers.

4. Use Active Voice for Clarity and Engagement

Active voice is a writing style where the subject of the sentence performs the action. It makes your writing clearer, more direct, and more engaging. In contrast, passive voice often leads to wordier, less dynamic sentences where the action is emphasized over the subject.

Example:

• Passive: “The book was read by the student.”
• Active: “The student read the book.”

Using active voice helps you place the focus on the subject, which makes your sentences more vibrant and easier for readers to follow.

5. Vary Sentence Structure to Maintain Interest

Monotonous writing can quickly lose a reader’s interest. To keep your audience engaged, vary your sentence structures. Mix shorter sentences with longer ones, and use a combination of different sentence types—simple, compound, and complex.

Example:

• Monotonous: "The writer drafted the book. She revised the book. The editor reviewed the book."
• Varied: "The writer drafted the book, then she revised it. Afterward, the editor reviewed the manuscript."

This variation creates a natural rhythm and helps maintain the reader’s interest throughout your work.

6. Check for Consistency in Style and Tone

Consistency in style, tone, and terminology is essential for maintaining the reader’s trust and ensuring that your writing feels cohesive. Inconsistent writing can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your narrative.

For example, if you refer to a person by their full name in one chapter and then switch to a nickname in another without explanation, it can be jarring for the reader. Similarly, if your tone shifts abruptly from formal to casual, it can create confusion.

By addressing these areas, you create a smooth and professional reading experience.

7. Read Aloud to Catch Errors and Awkward Phrasing

Reading your manuscript aloud is one of the most effective ways to catch errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies that you might miss when reading silently. When you read aloud, you’re more likely to notice if something doesn’t sound right or if the rhythm of your sentences is off.

This technique also helps you get a better sense of the flow and tone of your writing, allowing you to make adjustments where needed.

Tip: Use Microsoft Word’s “Read Aloud” feature to have your manuscript read back to you. This can be particularly helpful if you’re too close to the material and need to hear it with fresh ears.

8. Take Breaks Between Editing Sessions

Editing requires a fresh perspective, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking breaks between editing sessions. When you step away from your manuscript for a day or two (or even longer if your schedule allows), you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot mistakes and identify areas for improvement.

This approach also prevents burnout and allows you to approach your work with renewed energy and focus.

Final Thoughts

Self-editing is a critical part of the writing process that empowers you to refine your work and prepare it for the next stage. By implementing these self-editing tips you’ll be well on your way to producing a polished and professional manuscript that's ready to share.

Remember, self-editing is not about achieving perfection in one go. It’s a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to improve. With these strategies in your toolkit, you can confidently move forward in your writing journey and create a work that truly reflects your best efforts.