The Do’s and Don’ts of Self-Editing

By Anna D. Banks

"Great writing isn’t just about what you put in—it’s also about what you take out." ~ Anna D. Banks

The Do’s and Don’ts of Self-Editing

So, you’ve written your book, blog, or article—congrats! But before you hit publish or send it off to an editor, there’s one crucial step: self-editing. The way you refine your writing can make the difference between sounding like a pro or an amateur. But be warned: editing your own work isn’t always easy.

To help, here are the do’s and don’ts of self-editing so your writing shines before it reaches the world.

DO: Take a Break Before Editing

After you finish writing, step away for a while. Whether it’s a few hours or a few days, distance helps you see your work with fresh eyes. When you come back, you’ll spot errors and awkward phrasing more easily.

DON’T: Rely Only on Spellcheck

Yes, spellcheck and grammar tools can catch typos, but they don’t catch everything. They won’t tell you if you used there instead of their, or if your sentence is confusing. Always read your work carefully.

DO: Read Your Work Out Loud

This trick works wonders! When you read aloud, you’ll catch awkward sentences, repetitive words, and places where the flow feels off. If you stumble over a sentence, your reader probably will too.

DON’T: Edit While Writing

Trying to edit while writing is like running with the brakes on—it slows you down. Get your ideas down first, then go back and refine. You’ll write faster and edit better.

DO: Cut the Fluff

Be ruthless. If a word, sentence, or paragraph doesn’t add value, cut it. Readers appreciate clear, concise writing. Less is often more.

DON’T: Overcomplicate Your Sentences

You don’t need fancy words or long sentences to sound smart. Simple, clear writing is more powerful and easier to read. If you can say something in fewer words, do it.

DO: Watch for Repetitive Words

It’s easy to repeat the same words without noticing. Look for overused words and swap them out for synonyms or rewrite the sentence. A variety of words keeps writing interesting.

DON’T: Forget to Get a Second Opinion

Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. Ask a friend, colleague, or editor to review your work. They’ll catch things you missed.

Your Writing Deserves to Shine!

Editing isn’t about making your writing perfect—it’s about making it clearer, stronger, and more engaging. Follow these do’s and don’ts, and you’ll feel more confident hitting "publish."

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