How to self-edit

This, in my opinion, is one of the hardest things for a writer to learn. And yet, self-editing is one of the most crucial part of an author's career since so much time is spent editing. More time is spent working on the second and third draft than on the first draft. The first draft is just getting something on paper whereas editing is crafting and creating. It can be fun...and a pain. But editing sure does take the pressure off your first draft, if you know what I mean.

 I just got done self-editing a novel, and I have learned some things about what to look for.

Content issues. This is by far -- for me -- the hardest part of editing. Looking for flawed characters, troubled plot lines, and things that just don't make sense. Content editing really varies from story to story, and it helps to have an outsider's opinion. My suggestion is after you finish your first draft, put it down for about a month and then read it again. See if the characters are fully developed. Look for holes in the plot. Try to find places where the setting and description could be improved.

Reduce your word count. Your second draft must have a smaller word count than your first draft. The first draft will always come out fluffy, just because that is your exploratory draft. Go in and cut anything and everything that is unnecessary. Make sure that your dialogue tags are not too excessive. Look for words that just clog up the sentence flow. Reading "On Writing" by Stephen King, this was impressed on my mind. This was the equation he used:

First draft - 10% = Second draft

Cutting ten percent will not take away from your story -- if you cut the right things. It will improve it and make it all the more powerful.

Look for continuous themes. Whether we implant it there or not, almost every story ends up with an underlying theme. Sometimes it takes us a long time to notice it, but it is there nonetheless. For example, the novel I just finished was meant to show the devastation that bitterness can cause and the beauty of forgiveness. However, it ended up being much more than that. It now also shows the importance of true sacrifice and the meaning of family. Reading over your first draft, you may notice your own themes. Pursue them and try to strengthen them in the second draft.

REMEMBER: The stories that are most powerful are the ones that have something to say, a lesson to teach.

There are many more aspects of self-editing, but these are the ones that come to mind at the moment. Can you think of any more? Comment below!

And by the way, Inkitt has opened a new Mystery/Thriller contest. Some of those stories are really great; you should check it out. I entered my story, The Forbidden Cellar. I have edited it once again and believe that I have a more powerful piece of writing. If you get a chance, please check it out and tell me what you think! It is found at this link: http://www.inkitt.com/stories/16921

Thanks! :)