Finishing the first draft of your novel is a massive achievement. You’ve poured tens of thousands of words onto the page, built a world from scratch, and brought your characters to life. But as the initial excitement settles, a daunting question usually creeps in: Is this actually ready for an editor?
If you’re a first-time indie author or preparing to self-publish, the editing process can feel intimidating – and potentially expensive. A common mistake many authors make is handing over a raw, unrefined first draft to a professional editor. Not only can this result in paying for fixes you could have easily caught yourself, but it also distracts your editor from focusing on what really matters: your plot, voice and pacing.
Before you hire a professional editor, here is a practical guide on what you can – and should – self-edit yourself, and where a professional steps in to elevate your work.
What You Should Do Yourself (The Self-Edit Phase)
Think of self-editing as tidying up your house before the professional decorator arrives. By handling the basic cleanup, you get the absolute maximum value out of your professional edit.
1. Let the Manuscript Rest
The single best self-editing tool is time. Step away from your manuscript for at least two to three weeks after finishing your draft. When you return, you’ll read with “fresh eyes” and spot plot holes, clunky dialogue and awkward phrasing that your brain previously glossed over.
2. Do a “Macro” Pass (Plot and Pacing)
Before worrying about typos or grammar, look at the big picture:
- Do your main character’s motivations make sense throughout the story?
- Are there chapters where nothing happens that could be trimmed or combined?
- Is the pacing engaging, or does the middle sag?
3. Hunt for Overused “Filler” Words
Every writer has default words they rely on in first drafts. Do a search-and-destroy pass in your document for common culprits like:
- Just, very, really, suddenly, started to, began to, felt, saw.
Cutting these tightens your prose instantly!
4. Clean Up Formatting Basics
Fixing basic formatting saves your editor time and keeps them focused on your writing style. Ensure your document uses a standard font (like Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt), consistent paragraph indents and clear chapter breaks.
What a Professional Editor Does (Where the Magic Happens)
Once you’ve taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own, it’s time to pass the baton. A professional editor doesn’t just “fix grammar” – they provide fresh perspective, industry expertise, and tailored guidance to make your book competitive in today’s market.
1. Developmental Editing (The Big Picture)
An editor evaluates narrative arc, character growth, subplots and world-building. They ask the high-level “what if” questions that take your plot from good to unputdownable.
2. Copyediting (Style and Flow)
This is where your prose gets polished. A copyeditor refines sentence structure, pacing, tone and readability while preserving your unique authorial voice. They ensure your dialogue sounds natural and your descriptions are evocative.
3. Specialist Authenticity and Nuance Checks
If your book features diverse themes or LGBTQ+ characters, a specialist editor reviews the text for cultural accuracy, terminology and lived nuance – protecting your story from unintentional tropes or outdated phrasing.
4. Proofreading (The Final Polish)
The final safety net before publication. A proofreader catches lingering typos, formatting glitches, inconsistent character names and punctuation errors.
Ready to Test the Waters?
Self-editing gets your manuscript into shape; professional editing turns it into a publishable book.
If you aren’t sure whether your manuscript is ready for an editor – or if you’re nervous about what the editing process actually feels like – you don’t have to guess.
At Just Write Right, I offer a completely free 1,500-word sample edit. You send over a chapter and I’ll provide friendly, professional feedback and copyedits so you can see exactly how we can work together – with zero pressure or commitment.
Nick (he/him) is an experienced, professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing. Use this form to get in touch right now!
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