How to self-edit

To self-edit you need two things: a grasp of the rules of grammar and usage and an appreciation for the music of a sentence.

Rules can be learned from a book or acquired during a manuscript edit. We often include some notes on how to self-edit in our editorial package.

If you would like a general guide to grammar and usage, check your local library first. Style guides vary by voice, tone, and intended readership. It’s worth trying a few before making a commitment.

A sense of rhythm or cadence can be acquired by reading good writing. If you already have this facility, you know that you can rely on it to make many intuitive editing and revision decisions. To strengthen it like a muscle, simply read.

Of course, it matters what—and how—you read.
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Next time: How to read