How to Edit Your Own Book Before Hiring a Professional Editor?

Writing a book is a monumental achievement, but once you type that final word, the real work begins—editing. Before you send your manuscript to a professional editor, you need to go through a self-editing process. Self-editing not only refines your work but also makes the editor’s job easier, which can ultimately save you time and money. In this guide, we’ll walk through some essential steps to polish your book before handing it over to the pros.

1. Take a Break

You’ve poured your heart into writing your book, but before diving into edits, step away for a while. Give yourself at least a week, if not longer, to clear your mind. This distance helps you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors and inconsistencies. When you reread your manuscript after a break, you’ll likely see things you missed before—awkward sentences, plot holes, or overused phrases.

2. Read Your Manuscript Aloud

One of the simplest yet most effective editing techniques is reading your book out loud. Hearing your words forces you to slow down and pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your sentences. If something sounds off, it probably needs rewriting. You’ll also catch repetitive words, unnatural dialogue, and confusing phrasing more easily this way.

3. Focus on the Big Picture First

Before nitpicking grammar and punctuation, focus on the big picture. Ask yourself:

• Does the plot flow smoothly?
• Are the characters well-developed?
• Is there consistency in tone and style?
• Are there any unresolved subplots?

Make sure your story makes sense structurally before fine-tuning the details.

4. Trim the Fluff

Many first drafts contain unnecessary words and phrases. Look for redundancies and filler words like “very,” “just,” “that,” and “really.” Also, be mindful of overly descriptive passages that slow down the pacing. Every word should serve a purpose. If a sentence doesn’t add value, consider cutting it.

5. Strengthen Your Sentence Structure

Varying sentence length and structure makes your writing more engaging. Too many long sentences can be exhausting, while too many short ones can feel choppy. Aim for a balanced mix. Additionally, eliminate passive voice where possible. Instead of saying, “The book was written by her,” go for “She wrote the book.” Active voice is clearer and more impactful.

6. Check for Consistency

Consistency is key in writing. Ensure your character names, settings, and timelines remain uniform throughout the book. Keep a style sheet to track details like spelling preferences (e.g., American vs. British English), formatting choices, and character descriptions. This prevents small errors that can pull readers out of the story.

7. Improve Dialogue

Dialogue should sound natural and reflect each character’s unique voice. Read conversations aloud to ensure they don’t feel forced or robotic. Avoid unnecessary dialogue tags like “he said angrily” when the context already conveys the emotion. Instead, use action to show how a character is feeling.

8. Look for Common Writing Mistakes

Even experienced writers fall into common traps. Some things to watch out for:

• Telling instead of showing: Instead of “She was nervous,” show it: “Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob.”
• Info-dumping: Avoid overwhelming readers with too much background information at once.
• Unclear pronouns: If you use “he” or “she” in a paragraph with multiple characters, make sure it’s clear who you’re referring to.
• Clichés: Original writing is always more engaging than overused phrases.

9. Proofread for Grammar and Punctuation

After tackling structural edits, focus on the nitty-gritty details. Run your manuscript through a spelling and grammar checker, but don’t rely on it completely—automated tools can miss context-based errors. Watch for homophones (e.g., “your” vs. “you’re”), misplaced commas, and awkward phrasing.

10. Format Properly

Presentation matters. If your manuscript is riddled with inconsistent formatting, it can be distracting for an editor. Make sure your font, spacing, and paragraph indentation are uniform. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double spacing.

11. Seek Beta Readers

Before sending your book to a professional editor, let a few trusted beta readers review it. Beta readers offer valuable feedback from a reader’s perspective. They can help identify areas where the story drags, characters feel flat, or dialogue sounds unnatural. Choose people who will be honest with you, not just those who will say they love everything about it.

12. Do a Final Read-Through

After implementing feedback and making final tweaks, read your manuscript one last time. This step ensures everything flows smoothly and you haven’t introduced new errors in the editing process. If possible, print it out—reading a physical copy can help you catch mistakes that you might miss on a screen.

Editing Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

Self-editing is an essential step in the writing process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into manageable stages—big-picture edits, sentence-level refinements, and final proofreading—you can polish your manuscript into something you’re proud of.

Once you’ve done everything you can, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Even the best writers need an experienced editor’s touch. Whether it’s developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading, a fresh set of expert eyes can elevate your book to the next level.

Speaking of experts, this is where a team like US Publication House comes in. They understand the intricacies of storytelling, grammar, and structure, helping authors refine their work with precision. With their experience in the publishing industry, they know exactly what makes a book stand out.

So, take the time to self-edit your book, but don’t skip the professional review—it could be the difference between a good manuscript and a great one!