WRITING TIPS: Editing Fiction – 7 ways to Self-Edit your Manuscript FAST #authortube

Today on Typical Books with Lydia we have an #authortube entry on how I edit my manuscripts. Finishing my recent short story, I was struck by how fast editing goes now compared to when I started. So,. I thought I would share some tips. Not just for horror! This works on long and short fiction too…

1. Print it out

Printing your manuscript allows you to see errors more clearly.

2. Let it sit

Approach editing with fresh eyes.

3. Read it through

If there are big problems and you need to rewrite, reading it through will tell you if this is ready to edit.

4. Use proofreading marks

No scribbles here, use concise marks even if they are not traditional ones.

5. Use erasable ink or pencil

STET is a useful proofreading mark but it is less confusing to just erase unused edits.

6. Enter edits from the bottom up

This will help you keep your place and not move the paragraphs as you enter your fixes.

7. Read it out loud.

A real test for fine fixes. This will catch awkward phrases, echoes, and overused words.

Suggest a book! I like violent and visceral horror. Comment here on #horrortube #booktube or at http://lydiapeever.ca

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Author: lydia

A Canadian horror author, podcast host, and voracious reader. You may have Lydia's vampire novel 'Nightface' or some of her short horror, watched her Typical Books of Terror series on YouTube or listened to her on Splatterpictures Dead Air podcast.