In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle explores the nuances of self-editing your manuscript to make it shine before sending it to an editor. Learn essential strategies to enhance readability, improve structure, and fix common mistakes. No, it doesn’t replace hiring an editor, but you’ll discover valuable tools to help polish your writing and potentially reduce editing costs. Perfect for indie authors seeking to refine their craft and produce compelling, polished manuscripts. Join Michelle for practical insights to elevate your writing.

Topics Covered in this Episode

1. Structure and Flow

*  Clear Introduction and Conclusion

*  Logical Flow

*  Transitions

2. Voice and Style

* Consistency

* Point of View (POV

* Show, Don’t Tell

3. Sentence Structure and Readability

* Sentence Length

* Active vs. Passive Voice

* Clarity

4. Grammar and Punctuation

* Spelling and Grammar

* Punctuation

* Overuse of Exclamation Points

5. Word Choice and Repetition

* Avoid Redundancy

* Avoid Clichés

* Strong Verbs and Descriptive Language

6. Dialogue

*  Natural Sounding

*  Dialogue Tags

*  Pacing

7. Formatting and Consistency

*  Chapter Headings and Subheadings

*  Font and Style

*  Page Breaks

Self-Editing Tip Sheet

Looking for more? Look for the Self-Editing Tip Sheet post for paid subscribers. This printable guide is available for download at any time you start your subscription to Indie Author Blueprint on Substack.

Monthly subscriptions are less than the cost of a coffee and a bagel!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe