Tis the Season to Write a Book blog series continues as we countdown our way to Christmas. First, let me say that editing your book is a must, as a first-time author you want to put out a quality book. Today is Day 10 of 24, here are 4 tips to edit your book, let's dive right in.
Tip #1 Use Editing Tools
Technology can be helpful when editing your book. Here are a few tools that can help. Microsoft Word is very compatible when sending your draft to editors. Also, consider these:
Google Docs is great for using the talk-to-text feature.
Grammarly helps with your spelling, grammar, and even the tone of your writing.
The Hemingway app looks at readability, sentence structure, word usage, passive voice, and adverbs.
Tip #2 Get Your Book Professionally Edited
I recommend you have at least two other people besides yourself edit your book. Here are a few places you can find professional editing services. . .
Upwork
Tip #3 Print Out Your Manuscript and Edit by Chapter
When you're looking at the computer screen it's easy to miss things. I recommend printing out the pages, and rereading your book by chapter to catch errors. Make sure to step away from editing and do one chapter at a time. Stepping away for a day or two, also looking at it on paper can give you a fresh perspective when editing.
Tip #4 Take Out Commonly Used Words
When editing it yourself you want to look mostly for words to take out (e.g., repetitive words you use a lot) and ways to make your sentences concise and to the point. Ask yourself “Do I need this word?” Does my sentence get straight to the point? The more you write, the better you will become at catching overused words and condensing. Words I commonly use and need to be mindful to not overuse are “so,” “that,” “like,” and “actually.”
Tomorrow Day 11, I will share one of my new favorite editing tools so stay tuned. If you enjoyed reading make sure to like, share, comment, and subscribe to this site so that you never miss a post during this series. If you missed any of the posts during this series go back to Day 1 click here to catch up.
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Hi, I'm Tahira! Author, Writer, and Book Consultant at TahiraGift Consulting LLC. As a Blessed Author, I share on this blog tips to help other women of faith write and self-publish a book for impact and income in 30 days. Learn more and get my Write a Book 6-Step Blueprint Free Checklist click here.
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