Self-Editing Tips: Make Your Book Shine Before Hiring an Editor
You finished your draft (cue confetti), and now you’re staring at your screen wondering, “What now?”
The truth is: before your book heads off to a professional editor, there’s one step you don’t want to skip: self-editing.
But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to become a grammar genius overnight. It’s about cleaning up your work just enough so your editor can focus on what really matters.
Here’s how to make your manuscript shine without burning out in the process.
What Self-Editing Is (And Isn’t)
Self-editing is:
✔ Making your ideas clearer
✔ Catching easy-to-fix errors
✔ Tightening your writing before a professional steps in
Self-editing is NOT:
✘ A replacement for hiring an editor
✘ About perfection
✘ Meant to drain the magic from your voice
Think of it as a deep tidy-up, not a renovation.
The 3 Editing Passes: Structure, Clarity, and Polish
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Instead, do three separate passes, each with a different focus.
1. Structure Pass (The Big Picture)
Does the book flow logically from start to finish?
Are chapters or scenes in the right order?
Does the pacing feel right? Too slow? Too rushed?
Tip: Write each chapter title or scene on an index card or sticky note. Lay them out and rearrange as needed.
2. Clarity Pass (The Reader Lens)
Are your ideas clear and easy to follow?
Do transitions between chapters and paragraphs make sense?
Are you repeating yourself without realizing?
Tip: Read your work out loud. You’ll instantly hear when something feels off.
3. Polish Pass (The Details)
Catch typos, awkward phrasing, or filler words
Look for inconsistent punctuation or formatting
Shorten sentences that ramble
Tip: Keep a “crutch word” list (like just, very, really, that) and do a search to trim them.
Tools to Make Self-Editing Easier
You don’t have to do it alone! These tools can help:
Grammarly: Grammar and spelling checker with clarity suggestions
Hemingway App: Highlights overly complex sentences, passive voice, and readability
ProWritingAid: Great for catching style issues, repetition, and pacing problems
Google Docs Comments: Use the “comment” feature to flag sections you want to revisit later
Important: Use these tools to support your voice, not flatten it. Always keep your unique tone front and center.
Self-Editing Checklist (Before You Hand It Off)
Here’s a quick checklist to run through before you hit “send” to your editor:
✔ I’ve read through my entire manuscript
✔ I’ve made at least one pass for structure
✔ I’ve cleaned up any confusing or repetitive sections
✔ I’ve fixed obvious grammar and spelling errors
✔ I’ve trimmed filler words or sentences that drag
✔ I’ve kept my voice intact
✔ I’m ready for honest feedback
Final Thought
Self-editing isn’t about getting your manuscript perfect. It’s about preparing it for the next level.
Your editor will thank you. And more importantly? You’ll gain confidence in your voice and clarity in your story.
Because your book deserves to shine and it starts with you.
Want a Second Set of Eyes?
At Big Time Publishing, we offer developmental editing, line editing, and coaching to meet you exactly where you are.
Let’s take your polished draft and turn it into a professional, publish-ready book.
