I still remember the day I submitted my first short story to a literary magazine. I was ecstatic, but also terrified of being rejected, not just by the editors, but by myself. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if my writing was mediocre at best?
When we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), we bare our souls, hoping against hope that someone will appreciate our efforts. But what if those efforts are flawed? What if we’re not cut out for this whole writing thing?
The Problem with Self-Criticism
It’s easy to get too attached to your writing, making it hard to see its flaws. I’ve often found myself questioning my own motivations: “Why am I even trying to write this?” or “Is this even worth sharing with anyone?” To overcome this hurdle, try taking a break from your manuscript, whether that’s an hour, a day, or a week. This will help you come back to it with fresh eyes and a clearer head.
You might ask yourself: “Would I still love this story if someone else wrote it?” Self-editing isn’t about destroying your baby; it’s about making your work the best version of itself, for the reader’s sake as much as your own.
The Art of Revision
When we’re too close to our writing, it’s easy to get bogged down in minute details. But revision is not just about perfecting grammar and punctuation; it’s about storytelling itself. Think of your manuscript as a puzzle with missing pieces. Revision is about finding those pieces, or deciding that some are better left unseen.
To get started, try zooming out from the individual words and focusing on the bigger picture: character development, pacing, plot holes… Is there a narrative thread that’s been dangling in mid-air? Do your characters’ motivations make sense?
One of the most effective ways to revise is to identify areas where tension or conflict is lacking. Ask yourself: “What would happen if I changed X to Y?” As you work through each scene or chapter, try to keep this bigger picture in mind.
The Power of Practice
Self-editing is a skill that takes time to develop, and the more you edit, the better you’ll become at spotting flaws. Don’t be afraid to take on small projects or writing exercises that push your boundaries. This will help you build confidence in your ability to revise and self-edit.
When faced with a daunting manuscript, break it down into manageable chunks. Start with one section or chapter at a time, working through each task slowly but surely. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s progress.
Self-editing is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to stumble sometimes. We’re not trying to create some polished masterpiece; we’re working towards creating something authentic, meaningful, and beautiful.
I still get nervous when sharing my writing with others, but now I know that the act of self-editing is not just about polishing a rough draft, it’s about learning to trust myself as a writer. And if you ever find yourself staring at a pile of marked-up pages, wondering if your writing is worth saving, take a deep breath and remember: it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be vulnerable.