The final draft of your book is done. Now you get to relax?. No, you can’t.!
The next step is to self-edit—the edit you, as author, should do. After all, it is a Draft , and only you are familiar with the story, and can easily correct all self-made errors , like noticing where your story wanders away from the scene being played out. Or when characters are not clearly defined ,and how about incorrect spellings, punctuation errors, and poor word choices.
First print all the pages of your book. Then as you read, correct the errors you find on the printed page, and then on the computer.
A FEW SUGGESTIONS:
- Use words your reader can relate to—Simple words and not words needing the use of a dictionary. Remember, the more the reader stops, the less interest he or she has in continuing.
- Show don’t Tell.— Use an action word to show, anger, instead of saying : He is angry. Example: He slammed the door behind him
- Do not use the word almost. Example, She almost cried. The character either cried, or did not.
- Don’t sermonize or preach to your reader.
- Try reading your novel out loud. You may find areas where improvement is needed
- Omit Clichés and use “said” for dialogue instead of “explained, declared, etc.”
After you complete your self-edit, then retain the services of a professional Editor so your book is finally ready for publication, and, at long last, you can either rest, or begin another story.
Don’t ever give up in frustration, Paula
Paula, I completely agree. After I write a new poem, I leave it for a day. Then, I come back to edit if need be. My concern with a professional editor is they’re not the one who wrote it- they may be looking for proper grammar, but they have no of knowing what inspired you. Thanks for this outstanding penning.
Thanks Glad you found it helpful.
You’re very welcome, Paula. Absolutely- thank you.