Self-editing is an essential step in the book-writing process, especially for authors who want to polish their manuscripts before publishing. It involves reviewing and refining the story, structure, and language on their own. Self-editing can include fixing grammar, rephrasing awkward sentences, adjusting the pace, as well as improving character development. Many authors perform several rounds of self-editing to create the most polished version of their book. It is important to understand the limits of self-editing as well.

The process of self-editing usually include the following steps:

1 –Begin with a broad look at the story’s structure and consistency. In this first stage, an author examines the overall plot, checks for continuity, and makes sure that each scene serves the story.

2 -After tackling these “big picture” issues, authors often move on to line editing, where they focus on word choice, sentence flow, and paragraph structure.

3 -Finally, proofreading addresses smaller details like grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Each of these steps is important for ensuring a manuscript that is easy and enjoyable for readers to follow.

Self-editing has both benefits and drawbacks compared to hiring a professional editor. One of the biggest advantages of self-editing is cost. Hiring an experienced editor can be expensive, so self-editing allows authors to cut down on publishing costs. Additionally, self-editing gives the author full control over their work. This control can be essential for authors who have a clear vision for their book and want to maintain its authenticity without outside input. Self-editing also gives authors a closer connection to their story; working through each chapter and scene on their own helps them strengthen their storytelling skills.

However, there are significant challenges to self-editing. Authors are often too close to their own work, which can make it hard to spot issues like plot holes or inconsistencies in character development. This is where a professional editor brings a fresh perspective. They offer unbiased feedback that is hard for an author to provide for themselves. Editors are trained to identify issues with pacing, language, and story development. They understand how to keep readers engaged. Another downside to self-editing is the time it requires. Many authors spend months—even years—refining their manuscripts, sometimes overthinking each detail instead of moving forward with publishing. Self-editing may also fail to catch certain errors, especially if the author lacks expertise in grammar or punctuation.

One of the biggest risks with self-editing is over-editing. It’s common for authors to keep revising their work, sometimes endlessly, because they never feel it’s “perfect” enough. This can lead to burnout and a loss of excitement about the project. Personally, when I wrote my first book, it took me 20 years, because I kept editing it, then putting it on the shelf for years at a time.

Over-editing can also lead to a situation where the writer loses their original voice or style in an attempt to perfect each sentence. It’s crucial for writers to recognize when to stop and let go. If the manuscript tells the story the author wants and is polished to a reasonable standard, it may be time to start the publishing process.

In conclusion, self-editing is a valuable step, but it’s essential for authors to find balance. A strong manuscript is often the result of careful, thoughtful editing—up to a point. When an author feels they’ve done all they can, it’s best to move forward, either by seeking professional feedback or by beginning the publishing process. Recognizing when to stop editing is a key skill for any writer aiming to share their work with the world.

If your next steps include finding a professional editor for your work, please consider me. I offer editing services for a competitive fee. Send me a DM for more information or email me at Tammy@TammyRobinsonAuthor.com