The Self-Editing Masterclass: Polishing Your Prose Before Submission

~ Liss Caldwell

Congratulations. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript, crafting a world and characters that resonate deeply. Before you hit send and forward to your Structural/Substantive Editor or send on that query letter, there’s a crucial step: self-editing.

Self-editing equips you with the power to transform your raw manuscript into a polished gem, ready to impress editors and agents. Here’s your comprehensive guide to conquering structural, copy, and sensitivity edits, all on your own.

1. Structural Editing: The Architect Within

Think of yourself as a master architect, meticulously examining the framework of your story. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Plot and Pacing: Does your plot flow smoothly? Are there logical transitions between scenes? Does the pacing keep readers engaged?
  • Character Arcs: Do your characters develop realistically? Do their actions and motivations align with their personalities?
  • Dialogue: Does your dialogue flow naturally? Does it reveal character traits and advance the plot?
  • Point of View: Is your point of view consistent? Does it serve the story effectively?

Tip: Read your manuscript aloud. This can expose clunky transitions, pacing issues, and inconsistencies in voice.

2. Copy Editing: The Language Polisher

Now, it’s time to focus on the language itself. Here’s your toolkit:

  • Grammar and Mechanics: Eliminate typos, subject-verb agreement errors, and punctuation mistakes. Utilize online tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch these gremlins but do not rely on them. They make errors. It’s best to know your craft, master your writing craft and apply it.
  • Word Choice: Banish clichés and overused words. Opt for precise language that evokes vivid imagery and emotions.
  • Sentence Structure: Vary sentence length to create a dynamic rhythm. Eliminate passive voice for a more engaging read.
  • Consistency: Ensure consistency in character names, locations, and any established terminology within your world.

Tip: Try reading your manuscript backward, line by line. This forces you to focus on individual sentences rather than narrative flow, helping you identify awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.

3. Sensitivity and Political Correctness: Navigating the Nuances

Sensitivity involves awareness of potentially offensive language or stereotypes. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Research: Familiarise yourself with current terminology and avoid outdated or insensitive language.
  • Diverse Representation: If your story features diverse characters, ensure their portrayal is respectful and authentic. Consider joining critique partners from similar backgrounds for feedback.

Political correctness focuses on avoiding language that could be construed as biased or discriminatory. Here’s a tip:

  • Read diversely: Expose yourself to writing that features a broad range of characters and perspectives. This will help you identify and avoid unconscious bias in your own work.

Ready to Take Your Manuscript to the Next Level?

Self-editing is a powerful tool, but sometimes, an expert eye can make all the difference.

Here’s how I can help you:

  • Developmental or Structural Editing: I’ll delve deep into the core of your story, offering insights on plot, character development, and overall structure.
  • Crafting a Stellar Cover Letter and Synopsis: Let me help you write a compelling cover letter that grabs attention and a synopsis that showcases your story’s unique voice and marketability.

Visit my website at http://www.allcreaturesart.com to learn more about my editing and writing services. Let’s collaborate and make your manuscript shine!

By incorporating these self-editing techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to submit a polished manuscript that stands out from the slush pile. Remember, self-editing is an investment in your writing journey, paving the way for publication success.

Published by Liss Caldwell

Uniting over thirty years as a coach, trainer, teacher and facilitator, with three decades in the publishing and Digital Marketing Industries, I support you to bridge the gap between goals and accomplishments, by navigating your pathways to publishing aligned with your book, business and personal goals. As an author and developmental/structural editor and emerging artist I understand the creatives path and the importance of nurturing your project to completion as you envisage it, whilst combining the marketing strategy, designed for business growth and author brand development. I am passionate about sustainable business development within the publishing industry. I am a disability and inclusion advocate and sit on the Lismore Council, Disability Inclusion Access Group. After learning to walk twice this lifetime, and to read and write three times this lifetime, I am passionate about giving a voice for inclusion and progression. I write social novels woven with folklore, for YA and crossover audiences to initiate conversations and grow communities. An active member of the Landcare network, I am currently rewilding seven acres in the Northern Rivers of NSW. For eight years we have been returning, degraded and heavily eroded grazing land to rainforest and koala habitat. The property, known as The Torr, is home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna many endangered or threatened species, including koalas, yellow bellied gliders, richmond birdwing butterflies, grey goshawks, glossy black cockatoos, as well as bats, many birds, echidnas. The Torr is a recognised women's healing and birthing place by our first nations' people. The goanna and snake are the totems that have returned in abundance. 10% of all exchanges are put back into rehabilitating this land back to it's natural state, with a promise of 95% to be planted and treed by 2030. I look forward to connecting and collaborating with you.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.