It is perfectly okay to write garbage — as long as you edit brilliantly. — C. J. Cherryh

As writers, our words are our most powerful tools. Through our words, we paint pictures, evoke emotions, and convey ideas. Yet, the journey between a writer’s first draft to the final masterpiece is a daunting one, often filled with grammatical errors, confusing sentences, and misplaced ideas. This is where self-editing comes in, and it’s a skill every writer needs to acquire. In this essay, I’ll explain why self-editing is important, share interactive self-editing techniques, and persuade you to embrace this essential craft.

The Importance of Self-Editing

Imagine that you have just finished writing a compelling, thrilling and insightful story. It’s your creative invention and you can’t wait to share it to the world. But wait, should you? The answer is a resounding yes, but only after a round (or several) of self-editing. Here’s why self-editing is important:

1. It ensures that your writing is clear, concise and coherent: While writing your first draft, you most likely would have overlooked some sentences with grammatical errors, typos and redundancies. Self-editing ensures that you make those sentences clear and coherent to your readers. It tidies up the messy sentences, eliminates redundancies, and ties your ideas together seamlessly. It also catches those sneaky typos and grammatical errors that can tarnish your credibility as a writer.
2. It makes your writing more engaging: Some readers are attuned to stop reading an essay or story as soon as they notice the first two or three sentences are filled with errors. You most likely don’t want your readers to ignore your work. When you do self-editing, it enables you to capture the attention of your audience.
3. It reflects professionalism: It makes your readers see that you are serious and committed to your writing. Error-filled writings reflect the nonchalant attitude of a writer to his work. Clean, well-edited work shows that you respect your readers.
4. It helps you craft your unique style: Self-editing allows you to fine-tune your voice and style. It also enables you to refine your unique writing fingerprint.
5. Your writing deserves it: Every word you put on paper is a testament to your dedication, your creativity, and your unique perspective. By self-editing, you are not destroying your creation; you are sculpting it into its most beautiful form.
6. It brings unexpected transformation: Think of self-editing as the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. It’s the fine-tuning, the attention to detail, and the commitment to excellence. Through self-editing, you transform your words from mere sentences to an immersive world for your readers to explore.

Tips to make your Writing Seamless through Self-Editing

These ways are essential in order to fine-tune your writing and ensure that your work is polished, clear, and engaging. They include:

1. Utilize the Read-Aloud Ritual: Read your work out loud either to yourself or to someone else. Hearing your words can help you identify awkward phrasings, sentences that don’t flow well, or areas where the rhythm feels off. Record yourself reading your work and listen to your recording. This can make it easier to identify issues that can stimulate the experience of a reader.
2. Break it Down: Edit your work in stages. Start by focusing on major issues like the overall structure, organization, and coherence of your piece. Once you’re satisfied with these elements, move on to grammar and spelling. Take breaks between editing stages to clear your mind and approach each aspect of your writing with fresh eyes.
3. Be Ruthless: Do not be afraid to cut, rewrite, or revise. If a word, sentence, or paragraph doesn’t serve your writing’s purpose, remove or rework it. Be willing to make hard choices to improve your writing. Save a separate document for revisions rather than deleting content directly. You might find that some of the deleted material can be repurposed elsewhere.
4. Seek a Peer Review’s Input: After you’ve performed your initial self-edit, consider seeking input from a trusted peer or a writing group. Other people can offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights that you may have missed. Provide specific questions or areas of focus to your peer reviewers to ensure you receive targeted feedback.
5. Create a Self-Editing Checklist: This checklist should be tailored to your specific writing style and common issues you encounter. Include items such as checking for passive voice, eliminating redundancies, or ensuring consistency in character names. Use the checklist systematically for each editing pass, focusing on different items during each pass.
6. Give Time Gaps while Editing: Allow your work to “rest” for a while, preferably a few days or more. These time gaps create distance from your writing, making it easier to spot errors and areas that need improvement when you return to it. Use the time gap to work on another writing project or engage in different activities to refresh your perspective.

Finally, self-editing is not the foe of creativity; it’s the guardian of quality. It ensures your writing shines, resonates, and leaves an indelible mark. It is therefore important for writers to embrace the art of self-editing. Your words are your masterpiece; it’s time to make them shine.

About Author

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde is a Communication and Language Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan. She is also a creative writer, journalist and a mental health advocate. Funmilayo believes in the power of using creative words to change the world’s belief system and values.

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