I am currently editing my book ‘Making Allowances.’
At times it feels like a slow and tortuous process. I am not an expert but here are some tips that have really helped me.
- Cut long sentences in half. If you have to read it twice to understand it, think about halving the length.
- Use adverbs very sparingly. They can slow down the pace of your story.
- Remove extra punctuation.
- Make sure all your verbs are active, remove the passive ones.
- Check your prepositions and remove them if they slow the story down.
- Try to use original similes and metaphors.
- Limit the use of ‘very’ and ‘really’. Do you need these words? Again they can spoil the flow of your writing.
- Allow yourself the time to edit thoroughly. Don’t put yourself under too much pressure.
- Seek advice from peers.
- Remember that first drafts are terrible. Second and third drafts should show some improvement but keep going until it’s as good as it can be!
Best of luck with all your writing endeavours. Please feel free to share your editing tips too!
Charlie De Luca- Author 
Terrific advice and encouragement. Thanks!
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Thanks, Silver Screenings
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All good advice. I would only add that once you’ve done all of the above, have somebody else with an eagle eye go through your work (wverybody needs an editor, even Stephen King). Happy to find your blog, as writing & horses are my two central obsessions. I work with a horse rescue and find a way to include horses in a lot of my work. And BIG kudos to you for sharing your life with some retired racehorses!!
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I wouldn’t ever part with them because i worry wha would happen to them.
I agree with your comments. It’s a grea idea to have a co author with whom you can have a reciprocal arrangement so read their work too.
Thaks for the follow. Look forward to reading your blog.
Charlie x
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