Let's face it, as a writer you will get to the point when it's time to edit your book. It's definitely not one of my favourite things in the world to do, but it feels so good when it's done (especially when it is done right). The story reads so much better. That being said, these are the first three things you can check before you completely reread your own book.
The simplest thing you can do is run through your document using the spellchecker. It can often pick up on things you read over (it is super easy to miss typos). Since this is the most exciting thing to do, we are hardly tempted to skip this step, right? Where it is easy to skip this step, it's recommended to run it at least once. This might also be mighty helpful if you used the "replace all" function (shakes head, tut-tut) and it made some unwanted mess-ups.
If you need a place to start, you can look for these:
Also, it would be wise to decide whether you use UK English or USA English. Whichever you choose, make sure you stick to it. Once you have done all you can with your non-reading checks, it is time to move on to the bigger picture.
You are welcome to tell me of confusing words. I will add it to my list and we can create the ultimate "Find" function list. Happy editing!
Photo credit: Pixabay
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| No need to fear when it's time to edit your book. It is possible to make the editing phase easier on yourself. |
Wait Before You Edit Your Book
This was mentioned before on another post. You should wait before you edit your book, as it will allow you to forget about the details. When you go back to your book, it should be as if you're a "almost" new reader. This way, you can spot when there is a loophole. This saved me from my current book in editing. I noticed that I have no idea what was going on in the beginning. After I added a chapter, the story was a lot better to understand.
Captain Obvious' Tip: Use the Spellchecker
The simplest thing you can do is run through your document using the spellchecker. It can often pick up on things you read over (it is super easy to miss typos). Since this is the most exciting thing to do, we are hardly tempted to skip this step, right? Where it is easy to skip this step, it's recommended to run it at least once. This might also be mighty helpful if you used the "replace all" function (shakes head, tut-tut) and it made some unwanted mess-ups. Find It and Fix It
Next to the spellchecker, the "Find" function can save a lot of time. You will want to search for words you often mix up. My spellchecker doesn't pick up "cant" as a mistake, which means "can't" often turns into "cant". This is one of the words I check. Make yourself a list of problems and use the "Find" function to replace it with the correct one (if needed). The shortcut for it is usually "Ctrl + f".If you need a place to start, you can look for these:
- that/which/who
- who/whom
- good/well
- cant/can't
- a lot/alot
- affect/effect
- further/farther
- it's/its
- lay/lie
- less/fewer
- your/you're
- they're/their/there
- pled/pleaded
- a while/awhile
- grey/gray
- weather/whether
- desert/dessert
Also, it would be wise to decide whether you use UK English or USA English. Whichever you choose, make sure you stick to it. Once you have done all you can with your non-reading checks, it is time to move on to the bigger picture.
You are welcome to tell me of confusing words. I will add it to my list and we can create the ultimate "Find" function list. Happy editing!
Photo credit: Pixabay
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Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!