10 Tips for Self-Editing: How to Evaluate Your Own Writing Objectively

Self-editing can be a challenging process, but it’s an essential part of becoming a successful writer. It involves taking a step back from your work and evaluating it objectively to ensure that it’s clear, concise, and engaging for your readers.

Here are some tips on how to evaluate your own writing objectively and improve it through self-editing:

1. Take a break. Before you begin to self-edit, it’s wise to take a break from your writing. This break can help you come back to your work with a fresh perspective, allowing you to identify areas that need improvement.
2. Read your work aloud. Reading your work aloud is an effective way to identify areas that may need re-working from a plot standpoint or re-writing. It can help you identify awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, and other issues that may affect the flow of your writing.
3. Check for consistency. Consistency is key in writing. Ensure that you are consistent with your use of grammar, punctuation, tone, and style throughout your work.
4. Be ruthless with unnecessary words. Eliminate words or phrases that are unnecessary or redundant. Your writing should be clear and concise—make sure to eliminate any filler words that don’t add value and/or clarity to your work.
5. Use active voice. The use of active voice can make your writing more engaging and impactful. When editing your work, look for opportunities to change passive voice to active voice where possible.
6. Focus on clarity. Your writing should be clear and easy for your reader to understand. Check to make sure your sentences are concise and to the point, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be confusing to your readers.
7. Consider your audience. When self-editing, you must always keep your audience in mind. Think about who will be reading your work and tailor your writing, subject matter, and style to their needs and interests.
8. Use tools. There are numerous tools available to help you with self-editing your manuscript. Consider using a grammar checker or readability tool to identify areas in need of improvement.
9. Get feedback. Feedback from others is extremely valuable when performing a self-edit on your work. Consider sharing your manuscript with a writing group or trusted friend to get their input and feedback.
10. Take your time. It’s not secret that self-editing can be a time-consuming process. However, it’s invaluable step to take to ensure your work is the best it can be. Though you may be tempted, don’t rush through the process … and make sure to take breaks as needed to make sure you’re approaching your manuscript with a fresh perspective.

By following these tips, you can evaluate your own writing objectively and improve it through self-editing. Always remember that self-editing is an ongoing process, so don’t be afraid to revisit your work and make further improvements as needed. Happy writing!