In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through the self-editing process, from the big-picture revisions down to the smallest punctuation checks. Whether you’re polishing a fantasy epic, a romance novel, or a memoir, these steps will help you refine your manuscript like a pro.
Step 1: Take a Break
The most important first step in editing has nothing to do with red pens or word processors. It’s distance. After completing a draft, put it aside for a while. The amount of time depends on your schedule and patience — anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Why? Because fresh eyes see more clearly. When you’re too close to the work, your brain fills in the blanks. You skim over awkward sentences because you know what you meant to write. You miss inconsistencies because you’re holding the whole story in your head. Time away lets you approach your manuscript as a reader instead of the creator.
If you can, work on something else in the meantime. Start outlining your next project, write short stories, or even step away from writing entirely. When you return, you’ll be surprised by how much you notice.
Step 2: Big-Picture Edits (Structural and Developmental)
When you finally return to your manuscript, resist the urge to immediately start tweaking sentences. Instead, zoom out. Big-picture edits are all about the foundation: plot, structure, pacing, and character arcs.
Ask yourself:
- Does the story make sense from beginning to end? Are there plot holes or confusing leaps in logic?
- Do character arcs feel satisfying? Are their goals clear, and do they change believably over time?
- Is the pacing balanced? Are there sections that drag, or parts that move too fast?
- Does each subplot serve the main narrative? Or are some distractions that need trimming?
This stage may involve cutting entire chapters, rewriting endings, or even rearranging the order of events. It’s the hardest part emotionally, because you might need to kill your darlings — that beautifully written scene that doesn’t actually serve the story. Remember: no amount of polished prose can save a weak structure. Get the skeleton right first.
Step 3: Scene-Level Edits
Once the foundation is solid, it’s time to look at the bones of each scene. Every scene should serve a purpose: to move the plot forward, reveal character, or build tension. If it does none of these things, it’s filler.
Key things to evaluate at the scene level:
- Conflict – Does something happen in this scene that creates tension or change?
- Point of View – Is the POV consistent and the best choice for this scene?
- Balance of Action and Dialogue – Are characters only talking, or only acting, without emotional depth?
- Scene Openings and Closings – Do they hook the reader in and transition smoothly to the next moment?
A common issue at this level is “talking head syndrome,” where characters exchange dialogue without grounding in setting or action. Another is “summary syndrome,” where too much happens off-page instead of unfolding in real time. Scene edits are where you bring the story to life.
Step 4: Line Edits
Now comes the most meticulous — and often the most rewarding — stage: line editing. This is where you dig into word choice, sentence rhythm, and clarity.
Ask yourself:
- Am I repeating words or phrases too often? (Every fantasy writer has fallen into the “dark forest” trap.)
- Are my sentences varied in length and structure, or do they feel monotonous?
- Am I using clichés that weaken the prose?
- Is my dialogue natural, or does it sound forced?
- Am I showing instead of telling?
Line editing is about refining your voice while cutting the fat. Trim unnecessary adverbs, cut filler words like “just,” “really,” and “suddenly,” and make every sentence pull its weight. Strong prose doesn’t shout — it flows.
Step 5: Copy Edits
Copy editing is the technical cleanup. This stage is less glamorous but absolutely necessary. Here, you’re checking grammar, punctuation, and consistency.
Some things to watch for:
- Spelling errors and typos
- Consistent use of tense and point of view
- Correct formatting for dialogue tags
- Uniform spelling (US vs. UK English, for example)
- Consistent capitalization of terms (especially in fantasy or sci-fi worlds)
At this point, style guides can help. The Chicago Manual of Style is common for fiction, while AP Style is often used for journalism. You don’t need to memorize them, but having a reference can save you frustration later.
Step 6: Read Aloud (or Change the Format)
Want to know the fastest way to catch clunky prose? Read it aloud. What your brain skips while reading silently becomes glaringly obvious when spoken. Awkward phrasing, stilted dialogue, and rhythm issues stand out.
If reading aloud isn’t your thing, try text-to-speech software. Hearing your words in another voice is even more revealing.
Another trick: change the format. Print your manuscript, or convert it to an e-reader file. Something about seeing the words in a different context helps errors jump off the page.
Step 7: Use Tools Wisely
We live in a golden age of writing tools. Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway App — all of these can flag issues you might overlook. But remember: these are assistants, not editors.
For example, Grammarly may catch a missing comma but will also try to “correct” intentional stylistic choices. ProWritingAid might highlight overused words, but it can’t tell you if your protagonist’s arc makes sense. Use tools to polish, not to dictate.
Think of them as the spellcheck of editing: handy, but not infallible.
Step 8: Know When to Stop
Here’s the trap every writer faces: endless editing. There’s always one more word to tweak, one more sentence to polish. Perfectionism will keep your manuscript locked away forever.
The truth is, no book is ever perfect. Even published works contain typos or phrasing the author might wish they’d done differently. The goal of self-editing is not perfection but readiness. You want your manuscript clean and professional enough to send to an editor, agent, or publisher without embarrassment.
Know when to stop tinkering and move forward. At some point, your energy is better spent writing the next book.
Conclusion: Self-Editing Makes You a Better Writer
Self-editing is more than a chore — it’s training for your writer’s eye. Every time you revise, you sharpen your instincts. You learn to recognize weak spots in your own prose and avoid them in future drafts.
But here’s the most important truth: self-editing does not replace professional editing. An outside perspective will always see things you miss, no matter how thorough you are. Think of self-editing as the prep work that makes a professional edit faster, smoother, and less expensive.
By learning to edit like a pro, you not only refine your current manuscript but also elevate your craft for every story yet to come.
