Editing Your Own Work

Tips for a flawless first draft—

Before You Begin

• Set your draft aside for at least a week

• Create a backup copy

• Use Track Changes if working digitally

• Have your style guide ready (if applicable)

First Check: Story Level

• Check plot progression and pacing

• Verify character arcs are complete

• Confirm timeline consistency

• Note any plot holes

• Review chapter/scene transitions

• Examine beginning and ending strength

Second Check: Scene Level

• Evaluate scene purpose and tension

• Check point-of-view consistency

• Remove redundant scenes

• Strengthen openings/closings

• Balance dialogue and narrative

• Verify setting details

Third Check: Paragraph Level

• Vary paragraph length

• Strengthen topic sentences

• Improve transitions

• Remove redundancies

• Check information flow

• Enhance descriptive passages

• Employ smooth transitions and progressive stakes

Fourth Check: Sentence Level

• Eliminate passive voice (when not dialogue/monologue)

• Vary sentence structure

• Use filter words deliberately

• Check dialogue tags

• Strengthen verbs and singular word choice

• Delete unnecessary words and phrases ("Murder your darlings!")

Final Polish

• Verify proper formatting based on an official Style Guide or the agent's/publisher's guidelines

• Run your program's spellchecker or find a free site

• Read aloud for flow and glaring errors

• Replace repeated words and redundant phrases

• Examine story structure and arc

• Review consistency in names and places

• Check for plot, character, and setting continuity across the work

• Find alpha readers, writing groups, and/or writing partners you trust

Common Pitfalls

• Overusing adjectives and adverbs when one better word always exists

• Adding flashy dialogue tags, too many, or none at all (stick with said)

• Inconsistent tense when it is not deliberately crafted and elegant

• Shifting POVs without introductions or smooth transitions

• Hopping around in time without warnings. anchors, or clues

• Info dumping and allowing yourself, the author, to speak for your characters

• Telling vs. showing (Need I say more?)