I’m deep in editing mode and I keep coming across common editing problems that add up to weak manuscripts. The truth is, they’re problems that are easy to fix with some extra time and a good editing eye.
If you’ve spent a considerable amount of time writing and rewriting a piece, don’t let these 5 common editing mistakes leave a negative impression of your work.
When you think your piece is finished, go back into your draft and do a final check for 5 common problems:
1. Run-on sentences: Check for sentences that are more than three lines long or have more than three commas. There’s a good chance those are run-on sentences. Run-on sentences may seem deep and complex, but are often awkward and difficult to follow. Rewriting into two or three sentences will lead to better flow and readability.
2. Descriptive dialogue tags: The best dialogue tags are also the simplest. Ending a line of dialogue with he said (or she said) is always the best option. A dialogue tag isn’t the spot for long-winded character or setting descriptions.
3. Modifier abuse: Go back into your manuscript after you think it’s finished and circle each adjective and adverb. Chances are good that you can cut many redundant modifiers and create a cleaner, more readable piece. The simple act of circling the modifiers will make you aware of the right words to cut.
4. ALL CAPS: When is a good time to use ALL CAPS in your manuscript? Never! If you feel the need to provide visual emphasis, choose italics instead. Better yet, rewrite the line and let your writing do the heavy lifting.
5. Beginning paragraphs with the same word. This is a universal problem that annoys readers and editors alike. It most often happens with a main subject or character’s name, or “I.” Beginning paragraph after paragraph with “I” is especially irritating.
So give your hard work the final polish it deserves. Your readers (and your editors) will appreciate you for it.
-Maria Schneider
I’m taking on a limited number of freelance editing clients now. You can learn more about my freelance editing services for writers, businesses and publishers here or shoot me an e-mail.
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Thanks, Maria. Those look like some great editing tips. Editing is one of my weakest areas as a writer that I work on constantly (with spectacular lack of success).
When you’re doing the writing, it is so easy to overlook starting paragraphs (or repeated sentences) with the same word. My downfall is “he”. What? I started five paragraphs in a row with “he”? *moans*
I’ll try out some of your suggestions. Thanks again.
Thanks:) Your tips are always so timely.
I discovered your blog only a week ago and I’m already a fan and regular reader.
This is a great list! It forces the writer really stop… “when you think your piece is finished.” #3 can’t be said enough. It’s amazing how many writers fight to keep all those modifiers in their writing.
#1 is a tough one for recovering academics :) Thanks for sharing and the timely reminder.
I know at least one run-on sentence slipped into my story, and towards the bottom I caught a few repetitive words. Sorry! I know for me, if an edit error slips by it has to with some form of grammatical dyslexia that sneaks into my brain. I have to force myself to step away from a story because of a tendency to edit things to death. I would love to be one of those writers totally comfortable with the rules of punctuation and grammar but unfortunately I’m not. I work on it, I really do, but it is an ongoing achilles heel to my confidence. One of these days I will emerge from the grammar battle bloody and triumphant.
Thanks for the great tips…I’d add one more: Go back and check for passive sentences!
Bonnie
I’m giggling with and for you here.
I warn you: it’s editing manuscripts that led to the writing of Make a Scene. Sometimes the things you see over and over cause you to need to pontificate further :)
Good common sense advice. Thanks, Maria.
Jai
That last tip is one of my worst habits. I tend to create the same beginning to sentences and then go back and edit them to mix it up.
Great advice, thank you. I know I’m a repeat offender on at least three – okay, all – of your points.
You might want to add “after a week” to the end of “When you think your piece is finished, go back into your draft…”
I think letting a MS cool off a bit gives you a chance to look at it with fresh eyes and catch things you might otherwise miss.
Timeless tips. Thanks for the reminders, Maria.
–John
Thank you. It’s always helpful to be reminded of the basics.
I hear varying opinions on passive verbs. Some vehemently oppose them; others say they can remain if not overused. Does it depend on who you talk to?
Jeanette
Audience of ONE
I agree that these are all great tips for writers who are giving their work a final look-over.
However, in support of copyeditors and proofreaders everywhere, I must plug the “the second set of eyes.” Writers should never underestimate the value of a good copyeditor or proofreader.
We’re here to catch (and correct) your pesky grammar, punctuation, and usage errors. We’re here to make unbiased suggestions regarding wording and content.
Of course, one of the great things about computers is that copyeditors are able to make changes using the Track Changes function, giving the author control over whether to accept or reject those changes.
So, as much I as endorse every writer reviewing and editing her own work, I also think – when it’s feasible – that a proofreader/copyeditor will take that work to the next level.
*stepping off my soap box and thanking you for listening*
Good advice, Maria. I know that when I encounter a typo or other error in a manuscript it bounces me straight out of the story for a moment. I think the suggestion about using proofreaders or beta readers is “spot on”. If you ever create a beta reader section of the forum for completed drafts I’ll be first in line to make use of it on both sides (reader and submitter).
Thanks for all the great tips!
This is such great advice due to its simplicity. I probably make numerous similar errors when writing, but having a quick list like this in my head means that I will “knock down the high spots” as they say in the body-and-paint business.
Made me use fresh eyes on my work. Thanks, Maria.
DeborahB