Edit Your Own Work
By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker
Those on the road to self-publishing realize that good editing is essential to make the ride from unpublished to self-published smooth. By the time we pay for a top-notch cover design, decent interior layout, and proofreading, we might run low of gas, or, er, uh … funds. Hiring a good editor can be expensive. And most of us know that editing and writing are two different functions. We also realize that editing or proofreading is hard to do without a fresh pair of eyes. In other words, as far as editing goes (proofreading too) you need someone else to drive for a while—someone with fresh eyes, and a fresh perspective.
However, consider this. With a quick self-edit, if you are a good writer, you could step on the gas to pass to publishing without the expensive editor. And, if you are not such a skilled writer—at least once you hire an editor, this quick self-edit will save oodles of gas—I mean, editing time. The cost will be less, with the editing much improved.
So here we go with these DIY Tips for Editing to make the ride to published smoothly going. Once you know what to do, they are easy, just highlight and delete and you are good to go!
Tip #1—The ING
Verbs ending in ing: When verbs end in “ing,” the writing often takes on a tone of the passive voice. This is not true 100% of the time, but most of the time, the writing piece will snap into shape if you delete verbs ending in “ing.” You will change the verb to the “to be” action form of the word. By doing this, the writing snaps into the present tense and sounds more alive.
Writing Sample #1: Rewrite the action as if it is happening now. Bringing the action into the present is key to making your writing compelling.
Writing Sample #2: Rewrite the action as if it happens now. For irresistible writing, bring the action into the present moment.
Have a Dream to Publish a Book—
But Lack the Time or Know-How?
Look no further. This potent and detailed DIY publishing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author, friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light! This unique system propels both aspiring and seasoned authors through the digital publishing process step by step. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to start!
Includes downloadable template
Free ISBN number & POD account
10 steps to print on demand publishing
Displays book parts in chronological order
Publish your book blueprint proof in a week
Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
Hmmm … I am not quite ready—just send me the Free Self-Publishing Toolkit
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