Congratulations! You've just finished writing your novel. That's a huge accomplishment. But you're nowhere close to done yet. Because now comes the editing... And yes, you do need to edit your book. Some authors will hire a freelance editor, and that's okay, but you don't have to. At least, not as a first step. First, you can (and should) self-edit your novel.
I know, cutting your novel down to a manageable level can be daunting. What should you look for? Where do you start? Well, lucky for you, I've compiled 10 tips for self-editing your novel!
1. Do Large Cuts First
Full Chapters: Begin by evaluating entire chapters. Look for those that are slow, unnecessary, or don't move the plot along. Starting your story later can often eliminate earlier chapters full of backstory. By cutting or combining such chapters, you can make your narrative more engaging and concise.
Minor Characters: Review your cast of characters. Minor characters that do not significantly contribute to the plot can often be merged with more central characters. This consolidation can streamline your story and make it more cohesive.
Sub-plots: Analyze your sub-plots and determine their importance to the overall theme or plot. If a sub-plot is not essential, consider cutting it. This can help focus the reader’s attention on the main storyline.
2. Paragraphs & Scenes
Redundant Scenes: Identify and eliminate redundant scenes. If you have multiple scenes that serve the same purpose, choose the strongest one and cut the rest. Alternatively, you can combine elements from redundant scenes into a single, more effective scene.
Repetitive Narrative/Dialogue: Avoid repeating information. If you've conveyed something once, there’s no need to reiterate it. Trust your readers to remember key details and focus on keeping the narrative moving forward.
3. Sentence by Sentence & Word by Word
Unnecessary Words: Words like that, just, so, very, etc. often clutter your writing without adding meaning. Review your manuscript to remove these filler words.
Dialogue Tags: Cut as many dialogue tags as possible. If it's clear who is speaking, you don’t need to tag every line of dialogue. This can make conversations flow more naturally. Instead, use an action to help bring your writing to life.
Simple Words: Don’t shy away from using simple words. For example, "instantly" is often more effective than a phrase like "without another thought." Clear and direct language keeps your writing sharp and engaging.
Details: Resist the urge to provide every little detail. Readers enjoy filling in some blanks with their imagination. Focus on painting broad strokes and let your readers connect the dots. This goes for actions, too. You don't need to explain every little action your character does.
4. Take Breaks Between Editing Sessions
Editing can be mentally exhausting. Limit your editing sessions to an hour or an hour and a half at a time. Get up and stretch, take a walk, grab a snack, drink some water. This ensures you stay sharp and don’t start making careless mistakes due to fatigue.
5. Edit by Hand
Print out your manuscript and edit it by hand using a red pen. This can help you see your work from a different perspective and catch mistakes you might have missed on the screen. The tactile experience of writing can also slow you down, giving you more time to consider each change.
6. Get Feedback
After you’ve done your initial edits, give your manuscript to someone you trust. Fresh eyes can spot issues you might have overlooked. When you get their feedback, make another round of cuts yourself. This process ensures thorough editing.
7. Keep a Notebook Handy
Keep a notebook next to your computer to jot down notes and ideas as you edit. This can be invaluable for tracking thoughts that come up during the process and can help you organize your revisions.
8. Be Open to Adding Scenes
Sometimes cutting content can create gaps or lead to confusion. Don’t be afraid to add scenes to clarify or compensate for cuts. However, always keep your goal in mind: reducing word count while enhancing the narrative’s clarity and impact.
9. Focus on Pacing
Ensure your story maintains a good pace. If sections drag, look for ways to tighten them. Longer chapters are great for emotional or heavier scenes, whereas shorter chapters help increase intensity. Fast-paced, engaging writing keeps readers hooked and makes your book more enjoyable.
10. Consistency Check
Finally, do a thorough consistency check. Ensure that characters' names, locations, and timelines remain consistent throughout the story. Inconsistencies can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your narrative. Creating and using a series Bible or spreadsheet to keep track of key details can be helpful.
Self-editing is a crucial part of the writing process. By starting with large cuts and gradually focusing on finer details, you can significantly improve your manuscript. Remember to take breaks, seek feedback, and keep your goal of reducing word count in mind. With patience and diligence, you can transform your novel into a polished and engaging story.
What tips and tricks do you have for self-editing?
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