Every author needs to self-edit their manuscript before seeking professional help. Even the most experienced writers can’t see all the issues in their first draft, but effective self-editing can transform a rough manuscript into a much stronger work. These tips for self editing will help you identify common problems and improve your book before investing in professional editing services.
Why Self Editing Matters
Self editing is a critical step in the writing process, serving as your first line of defense against common writing problems. While it doesn’t replace professional editing, thorough self editing can:
- Help you identify structural issues and inconsistencies
- Strengthen your arguments and clarify your message
- Remove redundancies and tighten your prose
- Save money by addressing problems before hiring a professional editor
- Deepen your understanding of your own writing strengths and weaknesses
According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, manuscripts that have been carefully self-edited typically require less intensive professional editing, potentially reducing your overall editing costs.
With that in mind, here are ten essential tips for self editing your nonfiction book.
1. Take a Break Before Self Editing
One of the most valuable tips for self editing is to create distance between writing and editing. After completing your draft, set it aside for at least two weeks—ideally a month. This separation allows you to return to your manuscript with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot problems that weren’t apparent during the writing process.
During this break, work on something completely different or step away from writing altogether. When you return to your manuscript, you’ll be amazed at how much clearer the issues—and solutions—appear.
2. Self Editing Technique: Create a Reverse Outline
A reverse outline is a powerful self-editing tool that helps you assess your book’s structure after it’s written. To create one:
- Read through your manuscript chapter by chapter
- Write down the main point of each chapter in 1-2 sentences
- List the key topics covered in each chapter in bullet points
- Note the purpose of each chapter in your overall argument
This bird’s-eye view often reveals structural issues such as:
- Chapters that don’t serve your book’s main purpose
- Redundant sections that repeat the same points
- Logical gaps where important information is missing
- Topics that would flow better in a different order
This technique is particularly effective for nonfiction books where clear structure is essential for reader comprehension.
3. Check for Consistent Argument Development
For nonfiction books, logical flow is crucial. One of the most important tips for self editing is to verify that your arguments build upon each other in a coherent way.
Ask yourself:
- Does each chapter lead naturally to the next?
- Have you provided sufficient evidence for your claims?
- Are there logical leaps that might confuse readers?
- Does the conclusion follow from the premises you’ve established?
If you find sections where your reasoning seems to jump or where connections aren’t clear, add transitional material to guide readers through your thought process.
For more guidance on strengthening your book’s structure, see my post on developmental editing: What Is Developmental Editing: A Complete Guide for First-Time Authors
4. Eliminate Redundancies and Repetitive Content
Repetition is one of the most common issues in first drafts. While writing, we often restate ideas across different chapters without realizing it. During self editing, identify and address these redundancies.
Look for:
- Concepts explained multiple times in different chapters
- Stories or examples that make the same point
- Repeated phrases
- Unnecessary recapping of information
For each repetition, decide whether to:
- Remove the repetition entirely
- Combine the separate instances into one stronger section
- Briefly reference the earlier discussion instead of repeating the full explanation
Some strategic repetition can reinforce key points, but unintentional redundancy weakens your writing and tests your readers’ patience.
5. Check for Consistent Voice and Tone
Voice consistency is essential for keeping readers engaged. As you self-edit, ensure your writing voice remains consistent throughout your manuscript.
Watch for:
- Shifts in formality level (suddenly becoming more academic or casual)
- Changes in perspective (shifting between first, second, and third person)
- Inconsistent terminology for key concepts
- Variations in how you address the reader
Mark sections where your voice seems to change, and revise to maintain consistency. This doesn’t mean your writing should be monotonous—natural variations add interest—but the core voice should feel cohesive throughout.
6. Use the Read-Aloud Technique
One of the most effective tips for self editing is simply reading your manuscript aloud. This technique helps you catch issues that your eyes might skip when reading silently.
When reading aloud:
- Awkward phrasing will literally trip up your tongue
- Overly long sentences will leave you breathless
- Repetitive language will become glaringly obvious
- Unclear explanations will sound confusing even to you
You can also use text-to-speech software to hear your words read back to you, which provides a different perspective on your writing. This technique is particularly valuable for identifying pacing issues and ensuring your explanations are clear.
7. Check for Jargon and Overly Complex Language
As an expert in your field, it’s easy to use specialized terminology that might confuse your readers. Effective self editing involves identifying and addressing inaccessible language.
For each technical term or industry jargon word, ask:
- Is this term essential to my explanation?
- Have I properly defined it when first introduced?
- Could I use a simpler alternative without losing meaning?
- Would an example help clarify this concept?
Remember that even educated readers appreciate clear, straightforward language. Simplifying complex ideas—without dumbing them down—is a skill that separates great nonfiction authors from merely good ones.
8. Strengthen Transitions Between Sections
Smooth transitions help readers follow your thinking. During self editing, pay special attention to transitions between paragraphs, sections, and chapters.
Weak transitions often occur at:
- The beginning and end of chapters
- When shifting between different aspects of a topic
- When moving from theory to practical application
- When introducing contrasting viewpoints
Effective transitions:
- Remind readers where they’ve been
- Signal where they’re going next
- Explain the relationship between the previous and upcoming content
- Maintain the reader’s interest during shifts in topic
Adding just a sentence or two at key junctures can significantly improve reader comprehension and engagement.
9. Verify All Facts and References
Factual accuracy is non-negotiable in nonfiction. One of the critical tips for self editing is carefully checking every fact, statistic, quote, and reference in your manuscript.
Verify:
- Statistical data and numbers
- Dates and historical information
- Names and titles
- Direct quotations
- Paraphrased content from other sources
For each reference, ensure you have proper citation information. Even if you plan to have a fact-checker review your work later, catching errors during self editing saves time and maintains your credibility.
10. Create a Personalized Editing Checklist
As you implement these tips for self editing, you’ll discover patterns in your writing—specific issues that repeatedly appear in your work. Create a personalized editing checklist based on your common challenges.
Your checklist might include:
- Words or phrases you tend to overuse
- Grammar issues you frequently encounter
- Structure problems that appear in your writing
- Content elements you often forget to include
This customized checklist becomes more valuable with each project, helping you avoid repeating the same mistakes in future manuscripts.
When to Move from Self Editing to Professional Editing
While these tips for self editing will substantially improve your manuscript, they don’t replace professional editing. After completing your self-edit, your manuscript is ready for professional review when:
- You’ve addressed all the structural issues you can identify
- You’ve made multiple passes through the manuscript
- You’re starting to make the same minor changes repeatedly
- You’ve implemented all the items on your self-editing checklist
- You still feel uncertain about specific aspects of your manuscript
Ready for the next step? Learn about the professional editing process in Developmental Editing vs Copyediting: Which Comes First?
Conclusion
Effective self editing requires time, patience, and a willingness to view your work critically. By implementing these tips for self editing, you’ll develop a stronger manuscript that communicates your ideas more clearly and engages readers more effectively.
Remember that self editing is not about achieving perfection—it’s about making your manuscript as strong as possible before seeking professional guidance. The effort you invest in self editing will pay dividends not only in improving your current manuscript but in developing skills that strengthen all your future writing.
When you’re ready for professional support, learn more about my developmental editing services and how they can help take your manuscript to the next level.