Five Tips for Self-Editing - video

Self-editing is challenging. But when you're ready to dig into your manuscript and rework a second or third draft, self-editing can help you bring your book to a new level of greatness. Author and editor Robert Yehling shares tips for self-editing your manuscript. First, don't be married to your manuscript. Self-editing requires making massive cuts and changes. Try to stay strong and do what's best for your book. Second, read your dialogue aloud. Actually saying what the characters are saying helps you identify anything that sounds unnatural. Third, use action verbs instead of the passive. Fourth, visually show emotion instead of telling the reader about it. Fifth, ensure that everything flows and is sequenced properly within sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. Verify that the characters are consistent and unique.