Tuesday Tip: Self-Editing

Here are a few tips for self-editing your work. Your future editor will thank you!

It's difficult to find your own mistakes, as you know what you wrote so you tend to read what it is supposed to say (whether that's what's actually on the page or not). However, there are a few ways you can self-edit and improve your writing.


1.  Set your writing aside for a short time: This makes it easier to find mistakes when you go back to the project, as the words will not be as fresh in your mind. It will be like proofreading someone else's writing.

2.   Read it out loud: While our brains often see what they want to see, reading it out loud makes it a bit more difficult to overlook the mistakes.This is helpful for writers of all skill levels. 

3.  Try reading the work in a different format: If you've been reading on the computer, try printing it out, changing the font or size, or sending it to the Kindle app. This will allow you to see it in a different way, making it easier to notice mistakes.

3.  Read backwards: This is similar to reading out loud, as it breaks up the flow of the narrative. Start with the final paragraph and read back to the first. This way, you can focus on the small details. It makes it more difficult for your brain to correct things along the way.