A copy editor’s 4 quick and easy tips for revising and editing your own work
First published May 31, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.
I’ve panelbeaten countless stories into shape working as a newspaper subeditor in Australia and England.
Indeed, reading and correcting acres of copy is all part of the job!
But pruning and tightening is also an essential step for those who have written a first draft of an autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project.
A small amount of time spent ‘polishing’ a manuscript is a wonderful investment.
Firstly, it will help you become a better writer and secondly, you will be a reader crowd-pleaser.
So here are my top editing suggestions to make your writing shine so it is ‘all killer and no filler’!
Related article – Edit: The ultimate guide to polishing your writing
1 Round up cliches when editing
It’s true, I love a well-placed cliche or pun.
But as with a lot of things in life, there is a time and a place.
And liberally littering them throughout your writing is not one of them!
Unfortunately your copy will come across as predictable, boring and unimaginative.
Indeed, your readers will probably get the impression your story is shallow.
They will crave the grit and honesty of writing from the heart.
So put on your cliche-spotting glasses when editing and hit the delete button.
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2 No need to be fancy
A common trap for new writers is trying too hard.
Indeed many think long, flowery and verbose sentences make good writing.
Certainly we might have been taught this at school, university or work.
But breathe a sigh of relief because you definitely don’t need to do this to be a great writer.
So read through your first draft and pick out complex words, confusing jargon and redundant words.
Next replace with more specific, shorter words.
For example:
- Commence = start
- Decamped = left
- 10 years old = age 10
- The colour of the car was white = a white car
- The job is entirely complete = the job is done
- She has a brilliant future before her = her future is bright
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: How to copy edit + CPR for revising and editing your own work
3 Editing for short sentences
Another good tip when self editing is to look for long sentences.
Often these contain multiple ideas and can be laborious for your reader.
Ideally short sentences are best.
As a general rule, 25 words or less.
Of course, sometimes long sentences can’t be avoided but aim to make them the exception not the rule.
Very short sentences are great too.
Think just a few words.
These vary the pace and rhythm of your writing to make it interesting and engaging.
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4 Take a breather
Let it rest. This is perhaps the most important tip when self editing.
In short, take a break after writing so you edit with ‘fresh eyes’.
For example, this could be after a 30-minute coffee break, the next day or a few weeks after finishing a first draft.
Indeed, by distancing yourself from your writing you will ‘see the forest for the trees’.
That is to say, errors, typos and omissions will be easier to spot after a break.
Related article – Writing break: The secret weapon of writing tips
Final say: Self editing
In conclusion, arm yourself with basic editing skills to tighten your writing and make it sing.
For example: kill off cliches and puns, use simple words, aim for short sentences plus let your copy ‘rest’ before editing.
And remember, writing an entertaining and informative life story is within reach.
You are the expert on your life and the best person for the job!
Happy writing!
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Your say
What editing tip are you going to try? Or what’s your fave editing suggestion? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
