Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

2/22/2021

The other week, a writer reached out to me and asked if I’d heard about this book: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. I’m more of a visual person, so she sent me a picture, and the book looked very familiar! I was sure I’d used it but couldn’t recall when. So, I went on the hunt and searched my shelves and drawers and found the book. Here's my review.

Should You Buy This Book?

One of the hardest things for a writer to do—other than writing their book—is to edit it themselves. It can be hard to read your story with fresh eyes after viewing it over and over and over. I’m an editor, and even I still hire an editor for my works.

When I began reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and applying it to the new opening I’d written and revised many times (for one of my YA novels), I immediately put its advice into action. You see, the new opening was one I’d written AFTER receiving revisions back from my editor, and I needed to make sure it was tightened up as much as possible. Using the how-to book, I was able to critique my dialogue in a new light and fix other issues. The way the authors explain their techniques and the examples they use is extremely helpful and easy to understand.

If you’re having trouble editing your work, purchase this book. It will help! I’ll always suggest hiring an editor because that will be the best money you spend to help improve your story, but meanwhile, use this book to improve your chapters/scenes/book—especially if you’re working on a new addition after the fact. Plus, the more time you spend on fixing the issues upfront, the better your editor can do their job.

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If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on social media. To hire me as your editor or ask a question, email me. I also offer free sample edits for the first 500 words. Have fun writing!

Author

Dawn Husted progressed into offering her editing services to clients in 2016, eventually opening Yaupon Berry Press LLC. She's constantly learning new ways of helping clients stay relevant in today’s market, whether by using an SEO strategy targeting high-trafficked keywords or simply editing their content. Dawn lives in central Texas with her husband, two energetic kids and an adorable golden retriever.

YOU WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT?

You’ve spent 30 hours a week working on your book for months or years. Every chapter has a goal, and the characters live as vivaciously on paper as they have in your head. You’ve revised the manuscript three different times, edited chapters along the way, and you’re finally finished. Your manuscript is perfect, but you’re the only one who’s read it. What now?

REMOVING FILTER WORDS IN FICTION

Is your manuscript filled with too many filter words: I wondered, I felt, I saw, I noticed? Have you ever thought about that aspect of your writing? Maybe you’re in the middle of developing an idea for a story or have just finished writing a book. If your manuscript is finished and you haven’t hired an editor yet, here’s a quick trick to remove filter words.

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