Make Your Manuscript Shine: A Self-Edit Checklist

It doesn't matter whether it's taken you ten months or ten years to complete your manuscript, the end result is the same: that feeling of relief in finally having a beginning, middle, and end. And that deserves celebration!

But before you hand your manuscript off to an editor (and pay for their time), there comes the crucial step of self-editing. Even the most experienced editors appreciate working with a manuscript that's been polished by the author first. Not only does it make the editing process smoother, it also ensures your vision shines through more clearly.

Learning about your strengths and weaknesses will help you publish a book you're proud of and help when you write your next one. That's why, in the wise words of editor Susan Bell, "An editor doesn't just read, he reads well, and reading well is a creative, powerful act."

1) Don't Edit While Drafting

On a personal level, I'm extremely guilty of this. When writing, I make tweaks every step of the way, hyperaware of each sentence I just created. So, trust me when I say that I know it's easier said than done not to self-edit until the very end.

However, I'm here to be that angel on your shoulder as I tell you... Power through your first draft as efficiently as you can, then put it in the metaphorical drawer for at least a few days. Otherwise, you're going to keep overthinking the tiniest of details before you've had time to let even the big picture settle. Once you return to give your story the thorough gander it deserves, you will have fresher eyes and sharper instincts.

2) Nail Your First & Last Chapters

Your first and last chapters do more than start and finish your story. They shape your reader's first impression and their final takeaway. It's those two moments that are remembered most.

Whether you're writing a standalone novel or number one in a series, getting these chapters right is a game-changer.

Your opening should set the tone and introduce the world you've built, dropping us into a moment that matters. It doesn't necessarily have to be a high-stakes moment, but it does need to be relevant. Your closing, on the other hand, should provide a sense of emotional and narrative resolution. Even if you leave it open-ended for the next installation, it needs to satisfy the arc of this book.

3) Watch For Inconsistencies

One of the most important steps in self-editing is making sure that everything in your manuscript aligns from start to finish. After all, inconsistencies can jolt a reader out of your story entirely. So, as you sift through, ask yourself questions like the following:

Timeline:

• Did I use clear transitions for my time skips?

• Does it make sense that this character finished this task in X hours?

• Do I mention something happened X years ago, but change it later?

Character Traits:

• Does a character have blue eyes in one chapter and brown in another?

• Has my protagonist's manner of speaking shifted in a way that doesn't align with their development?

• Does a character get hurt (physically or mentally), but suddenly isn't even remotely affected anymore?

Point Of View:

• Am I slipping into another character's thoughts while writing in limited third-person POV?

• When I'm using multiple POVs, does it make sense where I transition between them?

• Do I switch between past tense and present tense in the middle of a scene?

4) Determine Where To Add Or Trim

While cutting back on wordiness is essential for clarity and flow, knowing when to add is just as important. Your goal is to create a manuscript that's tight but rich. That means striking a balance in the amount of details you provide so you don't leave your story feeling emotionally flat or bogged down.

The key is to place yourself in the shoes of your ideal reader, which is something you will be better equipped to do after taking some time away.

When it comes to trimming, note things like big chunks of scene-setting that take away from the characters and overly-explained, repetitive emotions about a specific situation. And when it comes to adding, consider where conflict resolutions feel too rushed and which critical backstory points never get elaborated on. Essentially, go into self-edits with a red pen and an open mind.

5) Do Your Characters Justice

A well-edited plot keeps your book on track, but it's your characters who keep readers invested. And something any writer needs to know is that perfect characters are *insert snoring here* boring! Flaws are what create tension, vulnerability, and room to grow.

Your self-editing process should hone in on character development, especially when it comes to your protagonist (or protagonists, plural). Every character walks onto the page with a past and their own set of motivations that influence their actions. Readers want to see their progress, setbacks, realizations, pivots... So, now is the time to ensure that your protagonist is someone we can root for—even if we don't always agree with them.

Happy writing!

~Meg