Self Editing Tips From A Developmental Editor
Table of Contents
Below is an edited list of questions I created for writers who want to self-edit their own work.
These questions reflect the approach I use as a developmental editor when assessing a novel. The list is not exhaustive, but it covers the key areas that will help you identify the most common issues in your manuscript.
Implementation takes effort. Self-editing requires practice and discipline. You might feel overwhelmed at first, but that feeling will pass as you gain confidence and experience.
Work through your book one chapter at a time. Read with these questions in mind. Use them as a checklist or as prompts for a deeper look at your writing. You may need several passes, each focusing on a different element such as structure, character, or pacing.
Chapter Purpose and Goals
- Identification. What is the main theme or message of the chapter? It might be an idea such as love, betrayal, power, or freedom, or a clear moral or lesson.
- Analysis. How is this theme developed? What narrative techniques or devices highlight it?
- Relevance. How does the theme connect to the wider story? Does it reinforce the book’s main message?
- Events. What are the key events in the chapter? How do they move the story forward and link to previous and future chapters?
- Conflict. What conflicts are present? Are they internal or external? How do they escalate or resolve?
- Growth. How does the chapter show character change? Do their choices or attitudes shift?
- Backstory. What background information is revealed? Does it help the reader understand motivation or history?
- Interaction. How do the characters interact? What do these exchanges show about relationships or tension?
- Exposition. Does the chapter provide context or background? Is it delivered naturally and without slowing the story?
- Clarity. Is the information easy to follow? Does it support understanding without overloading the reader?
- Relevance. Does each piece of information serve the plot, character, or theme? If not, consider removing it.
Structure and Flow
- Introduction. How does the chapter begin? Does it engage the reader and set up the setting, characters, or conflict?
- Body. Do the events or ideas follow a logical order? Does each section connect smoothly?
- Conclusion. How does the chapter end? Does it provide resolution or set up what follows?
Character Development
- Introduction of Characters. How are new characters introduced? Is their role clear?
- Character Arcs. Do characters change in a way that fits their goals and personalities? Are motivations clear and consistent?
- Dialogue. Does the dialogue sound natural? Does it reveal character or advance the plot?
Setting and World-Building
- Descriptions. Are the settings specific and purposeful? Do they help the reader understand mood, place, or context?
- Context. How does the setting influence what happens? Does it shape the events or decisions in the chapter?
Pacing and Tension
- Pacing. Is the chapter’s rhythm appropriate for the story? Are there moments of intensity balanced with quieter scenes?
- Tension. How is suspense maintained? Does each scene hold the reader’s attention?
Language and Style
- Tone and Voice. Is the tone consistent with the rest of the book? Does the chapter sound like your writing?
- Language. Are sentences clear and concise? Does the writing hold interest without unnecessary words?
Tropes
- Identification. Which familiar story elements appear? Are they used purposefully?
- Subversion. Are familiar elements used in a new or surprising way?
Clichés
- Identification. Are there overused ideas, phrases, or character types?
- Evaluation. Do they weaken the story? Would more specific choices improve originality?
Self-editing improves with time and attention. Each round strengthens your understanding of your own writing. Use these questions as a framework to assess where your story stands and how to make it stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run a full self-edit on my manuscript?
Run a full self-edit after completing a full draft. If you make major changes to plot or structure, repeat the process. Most writers do one deep edit before sending the manuscript to beta readers or an editor. Smaller revisions can follow later, but only after major issues are resolved.
This approach prevents wasted effort polishing text that may later be cut or rewritten during structural work.
What tools help with self-editing?
Use a reliable word processor with tracked changes and comments, such as Word or Google Docs. Grammar checkers like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can highlight surface issues, but rely on judgment for deeper fixes. Index cards or outlining apps help track plot threads and structure. A printed copy often makes pacing and flow issues easier to spot.
Keep digital tools as aids, not substitutes for close reading and analysis.
How do I know when to stop editing?
Stop when changes become cosmetic and you are no longer improving clarity, structure, or meaning. If you find yourself swapping words without purpose or reversing edits from a previous pass, the draft is ready for outside feedback. Perfection is impossible; aim for clarity and coherence instead.
Fresh eyes from readers or an editor will show whether more work is needed.
What should I do after finishing a self-edit?
Let the manuscript rest for at least a week before rereading it. Use that time to plan your next steps: sending it to beta readers, preparing a submission to an editor, or moving to query preparation. When you return, review notes and create an action list of final fixes.
This pause provides distance and allows you to see your writing with a clearer mind.
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