Refining Your Story: The Art and Strategy of Self-Editing
Self-editing is the essential first step in transforming your raw manuscript into a polished piece of writing. It’s your opportunity to take a critical look at your work, addressing both the sweeping structural elements that shape your story and the finer details that bring clarity and precision to your prose. By tackling this phase with both big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail, you can strengthen your narrative, refine your voice, and ensure your manuscript is in its best possible form before sharing it with beta readers, critique partners, or professional editors. Self-editing is not just about correcting errors—it’s about elevating your story and making it resonate with readers. Here's how to approach it effectively and make your manuscript shine.