Three self editing tips
Austin Kleon’s book Share Your Work! inspired me to start this blog. In a recent video, he said that he has a first draft of a new book. Before sharing his writing with anyone, he applies three self-editing techniques.
1. Give it time
Time is a writer’s best friend. The work improves by being set aside and re-approached with fresh eyes. - George Saunders
Austin Kleon suggests, You need to let it sit for at least a day. Put it in the drawer and go out the door and come back to look at it with fresh eyes.
I keep multiple posts in different stages of drafting, allowing me to revisit them with a fresh perspective. This process helps refine my ideas and introduce new angles.
2. Print it out
To write is human, to edit is divine. - Stephen King
Printing out a draft text and editing with a pencil in hand can be incredibly helpful. The goal is to create distance from the work you’ve poured so much effort into. You want to make it feel unfamiliar (almost as if someone else wrote it) so you can critique it with fresh eyes and make meaningful improvements.
When I was office based, I printed out many documents because I found hard copies easier to edit. While I miss that convenience, I know the environment is better off for it.
3. Read aloud
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If you force yourself to read your writing aloud, you will hear things you missed on the silent page - repetitions, clumsy phrases, clichés and a general lack of rhythm. - William Zinsser
Austin Kleon recounts, Something I learned when I did an audiobook for the first time. Everyone should do the audiobook before they put the book out because when you have to read the text, you realise how bad it is. So one of the hacks I do is put on headphones and pull up the manuscript and read it like I would read it to an audiobook.
In a similar vein, I read my blog post aloud and make amendments if the text does not flow. Then I record myself.
Other resources
The Art of the Possible interview with Austin Kleon
Creative Momentum post by Phil Martin
Steal Like an Artist post by Phil Martin
Austin Kleon says, Write the book you want to read. I take this approach with my blog. So I know at least one person will like it.
Have fun.
Phil…