So, you’ve finished writing your manuscript, congratulations! That’s a huge achievement. But before you send it off to a publisher or editor, there’s one crucial step left: self-editing.
Editing your own work may feel daunting, but it’s a vital part of the writing process. A well-polished manuscript not only makes a great first impression but also increases your chances of success in publishing.
At Morpheus Publishing, we understand the importance of fine-tuning your work before submission. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step self-editing guide to help you refine your manuscript and make it the best it can be.
1. Take a Break Before Editing
Once you’ve finished writing, resist the urge to jump straight into editing. Instead, step away from your manuscript for a few days (or even weeks). This break will give you fresh eyes and help you spot mistakes and inconsistencies that you might have missed while writing.
2. Start with the Big Picture
Before you get caught up in grammar and punctuation, focus on the overall structure of your book. Ask yourself:
Does the story flow logically?
Are there any plot holes or inconsistencies?
Do the characters have clear motivations and development?
Is the pacing too slow or too fast in certain areas?
If major changes are needed, it’s better to tackle them first before refining the finer details.
3. Read Your Manuscript Aloud
Reading your manuscript out loud is one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and unnatural dialogue. When something doesn’t sound right, it likely needs tweaking.
Try using text-to-speech software if you struggle to read it aloud yourself hearing it in another voice can make errors stand out even more.
4. Trim the Excess
Good writing is concise and clear. During your first draft, you may have included unnecessary words, repetitive phrases, or overly long descriptions. Look out for:
Adverbs (e.g., really, very, suddenly, quickly – often unnecessary)
Weak verbs (replace walked slowly with strolled or crept)
Redundant phrases (e.g., “he nodded his head” → “he nodded”)
Filler words (e.g., just, that, actually, like, sort of)
Every word should serve a purpose—if it doesn’t, cut it!
5. Strengthen Your Opening Chapter
The first chapter is crucial—it needs to hook the reader immediately. Make sure:
The first sentence is engaging
You introduce the main character(s) early
The stakes and conflict are clear
You avoid long info dumps—get to the action quickly!
A strong start will keep readers turning the pages.
6. Check for Consistency
Inconsistencies can distract readers and weaken your story. Look out for:
Character names and descriptions (Did Emily have green eyes in Chapter 1 but blue eyes in Chapter 10?)
Timeline errors (Does the timeline flow naturally, or have you accidentally skipped a week?)
Setting details (Did the café have red chairs in one scene but wooden ones in another?)
Creating a style sheet with key details about characters, locations, and timelines can help maintain consistency.
7. Fix Common Grammar and Punctuation Mistakes
Even the best writers make grammar mistakes, but a manuscript full of errors can be distracting for readers and publishers. Pay special attention to:
Homophones (their/they’re/there, your/you’re, its/it’s)
Apostrophes (it’s = it is; its = belonging to it)
Dialogue punctuation (“Let’s go,” she said. NOT “Let’s go” she said.)
Sentence fragments and run-on sentences
Using a grammar-checking tool (such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid) can help, but don’t rely on them completely—some errors require human judgement.
8. Focus on Show, Don’t Tell
Great writing immerses the reader rather than simply telling them what’s happening. Instead of:
❌ She was nervous before the interview.
Try:
✅ Her hands trembled as she smoothed down her blouse, her stomach tightening with every passing second.
Descriptive, sensory details engage the reader and make your writing stronger.
9. Format Your Manuscript Correctly
Before submitting to a publisher or editor, ensure your manuscript is formatted properly. Industry standard formatting typically includes:
Font: 12pt Times New Roman or Arial
Spacing: Double-spaced
Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
Paragraph Indents: Use the tab key, NOT spaces
Title Page: Includes your name, book title, and contact details
Different publishers may have specific formatting guidelines, so always check submission requirements.
10. Get a Second Opinion
Even after thorough self-editing, it’s hard to spot every mistake in your own work. Beta readers, critique partners, or professional editors can provide valuable feedback.
Consider:
Beta Readers: General readers who can give feedback on story, pacing, and characters.
Critique Partners: Fellow writers who can offer more detailed writing feedback.
Professional Editors: Experts who provide in-depth structural or line edits.
A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference before submitting your manuscript.
Final Thoughts
Self-editing is an essential part of the writing journey. By taking the time to refine your manuscript, you increase your chances of catching an editor or publisher’s attention.
At Morpheus Publishing, we believe that every great book begins with a well-polished draft. Whether you’re planning to self-publish or submit to a publisher, these self-editing steps will help make your manuscript shine.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re looking for professional editing or guidance on your publishing journey, get in touch with Morpheus Publishing today!
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