3 Self-Editing Habits That Sharpen Your Writing
Self-editing is a crucial phase in the writing process, yet many authors often overlook it. In fact, as a writing coach, I encounter many writers who assume that once the writing is done, their job is complete, and it's up to the editor to refine their work. However, effective self-editing can significantly enhance the quality of your writing before it even reaches an editor’s hands. Here are three tips to help you master self-editing and elevate your writing to the next level.
1. Schedule Dedicated Time for Editing
One of the most common mistakes writers make is failing to schedule sufficient time for the editing phase. Realize that editing should not be an afterthought; rather, it needs to be an integral part of your writing schedule. Much like a computer programmer revises their code before it’s tested, writers should strive to polish their drafts before submitting them to an editor.
The general rule of thumb is to plan for half the time you spend writing a piece to edit it. For instance, if it takes you six hours to draft a piece, set aside at least three hours for editing. To maximize effectiveness, consider scheduling your editing session for the day after you finish writing. This allows your text to "cool," giving you a fresh perspective and greater objectivity when you return to it.
2. Detach Yourself from Your Work
To edit effectively, you need to view your writing objectively, almost as if it were someone else’s work. Emotional attachment to your text can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to cut or revise elements that may not serve the piece well.
You can employ several strategies to achieve this detachment. Some writers find that simply taking a break for a day or two helps them return to their work with fresh eyes. Others benefit from changing their physical location when they edit, such as moving from their office to the kitchen table or a conference room. Advanced writers might develop the ability to shift their mindset from writer to editor, allowing them to critically evaluate and improve their work without hesitation. They’ve reconciled within themselves that their masterpiece does need some tweaking, and they’re willing to revise it as necessary.
3. Review Your Work on a Hard Copy
Reading on a computer screen can be taxing on the eyes, leading to missed errors and oversights. Printing out your document on fresh paper can help alleviate this issue. Many writers tell me that holding a physical copy of their work makes them feel more like an editor, signaling to the brain that it’s time to switch from writing to fine-tuning.
Additionally, editing the hard copy away from your usual writing space, without your laptop or tablet nearby, can reinforce this mindset shift. Without the temptation of the keyboard, you can focus solely on the task of refining your text. This physical and mental separation from the writing phase helps ensure a thorough and effective editing process.
The Road to Better Writing
Effective self-editing is an essential skill for any writer looking to improve their craft. By scheduling dedicated time for editing, detaching from your work, and reviewing your text on a hard copy, you can significantly enhance the quality of your writing. Remember, the goal of self-editing is not to rewrite your work but to polish it to the best of your ability before it reaches an editor. By following these three ground rules, you'll be well on your way to producing more polished and professional writing.
Mastering self-editing is just the beginning. If you’re ready to take your nonfiction book to the next level, I’m here to help. Check out my book editing services and then schedule a consultation today.