How to Self-edit Your Writing
8 Lessons from Tom Bromley
Writing the first draft is only the beginning. The real magic often happens during editing. Self-editing helps you refine your writing, sharpen your ideas, and present your work in the clearest possible way. These practical tips, inspired by writing coach Tom Bromley, can help you become a better editor of your own work.
1. Get Some Distance from Your Writing
One of the best ways to edit effectively is to step away from your writing before revisiting it. Distance allows you to return with fresh eyes and more objectivity. The break does not have to be long. It could be five minutes, one hour, one day, or even a month for larger projects. You can also create distance by changing how your writing looks. Try switching to a different font, moving your draft from Microsoft Word to Notepad, or printing it out and reading it on paper. Sometimes a simple visual change helps you notice mistakes you previously missed.
2. Pick a Style Guide and Stick to It
A style guide helps you maintain consistency in grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
For fiction writers, The Chicago Manual of Style is one of the most commonly used references. Your style guide can help you standardise things like:
- Spelling choices such as American English or British English
- Number formatting
- Whether to use the Oxford comma
- Time formatting, such as a.m. versus am
Consistency makes your writing look polished and professional.
3. Eliminate Passive Voice Where Possible
Passive voice is not always wrong, but active voice usually makes writing stronger and more direct.
For example:
- Passive: The letter was written by Sarah.
- Active: Sarah wrote the letter.
4. Cut Out Filler Words
Many first drafts contain unnecessary filler words. Common examples include:
- like
- okay
- so
- really
- very
- just
Also, pay attention to overused adverbs, especially words ending in -ly. Reading your work aloud or using text-to-speech tools can help you hear unnecessary words more clearly. You can also ask someone else to review your writing for a second perspective.
5. Replace Weak Adverbs with Stronger Verbs
Instead of relying on adverbs, choose more precise verbs.
For example:
- She ran quickly becomes she sprinted
- She said quietly, he whispered
- He said loudly becomes He shouted
Stronger verbs create clearer, more vivid writing.
6. Vary Your Sentence Structure
Sentence rhythm matters. If all your sentences are too short, your writing may feel abrupt. If they are all too long, your reader may lose focus.
A good rule: if you are struggling for breath while reading a sentence aloud, it is probably too long. Mix short, medium, and longer sentences to improve flow and readability.
7. Be Intentional with Tense and Point of View
Choose your tense and point of view carefully. Ask yourself:
- Will I write in the past tense or the present tense?
- Will the story be told in first person, third person, or from an omniscient narrator?
Switching tenses unintentionally can confuse readers. One helpful technique is to map your story in chronological order from the perspective of an omniscient narrator. Then decide which sections work best in each tense or point of view.
8. Always Read It One More Time
When you think you are done editing, take another break and read it again.
This final review can help you catch:
- Spelling mistakes
- Chronological inconsistencies
- Formatting issues
- Bigger-picture problems with pacing or clarity
Often, the mistakes you missed earlier become obvious on the final read.
A good rule: if you are struggling for breath while reading a sentence aloud, it is probably too long. Mix short, medium, and longer sentences to improve flow and readability.
Final Thoughts
Self-editing is not about making your writing perfect in one pass. It is about improving it step by step. Take breaks. Read aloud. Stay consistent. Be willing to cut what does not serve the story. And when you think you are finished, read it one more time.
