Editing is a part of the writing journey that many authors try to avoid like the plague. It’s a tedious, detail-oriented exercise that requires patience and the ability to apply an objective eye to your work.

If you’ve struggled with editing, we have three quick and easy tips to get you started.

Remove the fluff.

Simplicity is often best when writing. This means that you should take some time and remove those extra words that aren’t adding to your story. There’s always an easier way to say something, so, if possible, make an effort to revise and shorten your sentences.

Stop repeating yourself.

You don’t want your writing to sound like a broken record. When you’re editing, be aware of redundancies. Be sure that your sentences are straightforward and avoid that pesky excess fluff we mentioned in the previous point. If you’re having trouble spotting redundancies in your writing, here are some things to look for:

• A sentence that’s a bit too long.
• If you take something out, will it still make sense?
• Remove the phrase “each and every,” as they essentially mean the same thing.

Take breaks.

Editing can be overwhelming, so don’t try and do it all in one sitting. Rather, segment a set amount of time each day to sit down and edit your work. Once the time has elapsed, take a break. Go for a walk or do something else that will free your mind. When it comes time to get back to editing, you’ll have a clear mind, a set of fresh eyes and a new-found sense of focus to forge ahead.

While editing might be the hardest, it is the most important part of the writing process, so take your time, keep these three tips in mind, and if you need an extra boost, remember that Dorrance Publishing has tips to help.

Copyright Dorrance Publishing, 2017