The Self-Editing Author

 

Before you send your manuscript to a professional editor or pitch it to a publisher, there’s one step that can dramatically shape your success: self-editing.

Self-editing isn’t just about catching typos. It’s about taking creative control, sharpening your craft, and positioning your book for the best possible outcome. That’s why I recommend the course "Effective Editing: How to Take Your Writing to the Next Level" — a modular, author-friendly guide to revising your work with clarity and confidence.

What Self-Editing Really Does for You

Here’s why self-editing is essential — not optional — for serious writers:

·        Controls the result: You decide what stays, what changes, and how your voice evolves. Editors can refine your work, but only you can define it.

·        Increases likelihood of publication: A polished manuscript stands out. Whether you're querying agents or submitting to indie publishers, clean structure and compelling prose make a difference.

·        Speeds up the publishing process: The better your draft, the less time editors spend fixing foundational issues — which means faster turnaround and fewer revision cycles.

·        Improves your writing skills: Every round of self-editing teaches you something. You become a sharper storyteller, a more precise communicator, and a better collaborator.

How This Course Supports That Journey

"Effective Editing" breaks the process into 13 digestible lessons, covering everything from developmental edits to line-level polish. You’ll learn:

·        How to assess plot, pacing, and character arcs

·        When to show vs. tell — and how to do both well

·        How to prune your prose and elevate your sentences

·        What grammar rules you can safely ignore (yes, really)

·        How to prepare your manuscript for beta readers, editors, or publishers

It’s not just theory — it’s a practical toolkit for authors who want to take ownership of their work before handing it off.

A Mindset Shift for Indie and Traditional Authors Alike

Whether you're self-publishing or pursuing a book deal, self-editing is your first act of professionalism. It signals that you respect your reader, your future editor, and your own creative process.

Think of it as training for the long haul: every manuscript you revise builds the muscles you’ll use for the next one.

About the Author

Daryl Horton is a technical and creative writer who is passionate about being creative. He has comprehensive training in business information management, information systems management, and creative and technical writing. Daryl has the knowledge and skills to help organizations optimize their performance and maximize their potential. He spent several years in a Knowledge Management PhD program at Walden University, nearly completing it, but resigned from the program during his dissertation phase to pursue his passion for creativity (http://www.abolitic.com/). Despite his love for creativity, he often finds himself participating in groups where his technical experiences add value.

You can find more information about Daryl Horton on his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylhorton/.

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