Self-Editing

Editing is an important final step in the process of writing a manuscript before submitting it to an agent. Reading from a hardcopy instead of on the computer screen is a great way to catch any mistakes and this way a pen can be used to mark them and any notes. There are many rules to editing and listed are some of these to watch out for.

Keep a consistent POV (point of view) for one character in each scene. Sometimes I've heard to have one POV per chapter. Either one is good, but just have one character's view at a time so as not to confused the reader.

Look for repetition when editing and remove words or phrases that are seen often on the same page or even within the same chapter. Now and then I'll notice repittion of a certain phrase even if it occurs one hundred pages apart.

Keep the exclamation points, italics, and profanity to a minimum. Less is more in writing. No bold or underlining.

Since less is more is most effective try to keep the words and descriptions to a minimum for better impact and flow of reading.

Show instead of tell. Let the reader imagine the scene as it happens and show them through action or emotion.

When using the computer use spell check. Just make sure that you've used the words you mean to use, such as their, there or they're. ALthough written properly, the spell checker won't discern the meaning.

Use active words and voice whenever possible instead of the passive voice.

Read others' writing whether it's a book or someone's manuscript. Doing so will help you to see your writing in a different perspective and give you practice when self-editing.