Self-Publishing Advice

Self-publishing has given authors unprecedented control over their work, but with that freedom comes responsibility—especially when it comes to editing. A well-written book can still fail if it's riddled with grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or poor structure. Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned writer, here are some common editing pitfalls to avoid—and how to sidestep them.

1. Skipping the Editing Process Entirely

One of the biggest mistakes self-published authors make is thinking they can skip editing altogether. Even if you’re confident in your writing skills, your eyes will eventually gloss over mistakes. Always plan for at least one round of professional editing, ideally after self-revision.

Solution: Budget time and money for editing early in your publishing plan. At minimum, hire a professional for a line or copy edit.

2. Overediting and Losing Your Voice

In the effort to perfect every sentence, some authors overedit their work, stripping away the natural tone and rhythm that makes it unique.

Solution: Be clear on your voice and purpose. Work with editors who aim to enhance—not replace—your style. Ask for sample edits to see how they handle your manuscript.

3. Neglecting Different Types of Editing

Many authors assume editing is just about catching typos. In reality, good editing involves multiple layers—developmental, line, copy, and proofreading—each serving a different purpose.

Solution: Understand the four key editing stages:

Developmental Editing: Big-picture story structure, pacing, character arcs.

Line Editing: Flow, clarity, tone, sentence structure.

Copy Editing: Grammar, punctuation, word usage.

Proofreading: Final error check before publishing.

4. Not Fact-Checking or Verifying Details

Inaccurate facts, misused terms, or cultural inconsistencies can break reader trust and credibility.

Solution: Double-check names, places, historical details, and dialogue if it reflects specific dialects or professions. Consider a sensitivity reader if your work includes diverse perspectives.

5. Editing as You Write

While light self-editing during the writing process can help, obsessively polishing paragraphs as you draft can hinder your creative flow.

Solution: Separate your writing and editing phases. Focus on getting the first draft done—then switch gears to edit with fresh eyes.

6. Ignoring Beta Reader Feedback

Many self-published authors underestimate the value of beta readers. While they’re not editors, their feedback can point out story issues you might miss.

Solution: Share your manuscript with trusted beta readers before final edits. Look for patterns in their feedback and revise accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Great editing is invisible—it lets the reader focus entirely on your story. By avoiding these common pitfalls and embracing the editing process as a vital part of publishing, you’ll elevate the quality of your book and enhance your credibility as an author.

Remember: A well-edited book isn't just cleaner—it's more engaging, professional, and market-ready.