Quick & Effective Self-Editing Hacks

Every author knows how important editing is and many prefer to hire a professional editor for that. But before sending their manuscript to a professional, they prefer to self-edit it first. Self-editing is also a very important thing to do. In self-editing many of us get lost in minute details and lose sight of the bigger picture. 

But today, we're here to tell you 5 quick self-editing hacks that are very effective, yet nobody talks about them.

Hack #1: Reverse outline your manuscript

You might have created an outline before you started writing your book, but have you ever prepared a reverse outline before self-editing your book? Here's how it helps: 

• Spot plot holes, inconsistencies and weak transitions.

• Streamline your narrative and strengthen the story's structure.

Hack #2: Use the "3-Word Rule" for dialogue

Dialogues are the heart of the story so it shouldn't be wordy or robotic. Ask yourself these three questions while editing dialogue:

• Can I replace this dialogue tag with a more descriptive action beat?

• Can I convey the character's emotions through subtext rather than explicit dialogue?

• Can I eliminate unnecessary words and get straight to the point?

Hack #3: Employ the "50/30/20 Rule" for pacing

Nobody wants to read a book that feels too slow or too fast. Proper balance in pacing is very necessary. To maintain the balance allocate your manuscript's pacing as given:

• 50% to key plot points and conflicts

• 30% to character development and world-building

• 20% for transitions and supporting scenes

Hack #4: Use "Sensory Memory" to enhance the description

Have you ever read a book that made you feel as if you were a part of the story? It would have been nostalgic and soothing to read such a book, right? This happens because of the usage of sensory memory. It has the power to engage the reader's senses. Questions to ask yourself when you’re describing settings, characters, or objects

• What does the scene look like?

• What sounds can characters hear?

• What smells or textures are present?

Hack #5: Edit in a "Non-Linear" fashion

Editing your book from beginning to end might seem uninteresting. Try editing in a non-linear fashion. Here's how you can do it: 

• Start with the most critical scenes or chapters

• Edit in chunks, focusing on specific themes or plot threads

• Use a timer to work in focused, 25-minute increments

Hack #6: Test Chapter Endings with a “What If” Exercise

When you are editing the end of the chapter, ask yourself: What if this is the last page of the book? If the answer feels unsatisfying, add more tension or make your chapter more hooking.

Hack #7: Use “Scene Purpose Test”

If a scene doesn't serve the purpose in the story, it might be a filler. While editing each scene, ask yourself: If I removed this scene, what would change in the story? If you feel that the scene doesn’t move the story forward or reveal something crucial about the character you can revise the scene or remove it.

Self-editing is important, but it needs patience. If you hurry the editing process, you might end up creating a mess. 

Read 'Role of Rhythm in Your Prose' https://www.rollingauthors.com/post/role-of-rhythm-in-your-prose-writing

For professional editing, ghostwriting, and translations, visit us at www.rollingauthors.com