Self-Editing Tip – Janet Eriksson

August 10, 2026August 5, 2026

When Every Sentence Sounds the Same: A Simple Self-Editing Tip

Have you ever read a section of your manuscript, only to realize clusters of sentences sound the same?

“I remember this. I remember that. I remember those. I remember these.”

It’s what I call the singsong pattern, where the same structure and even the same wording repeats itself.

That’s a perfectly normal way to write a first draft, and it’s okay. That’s what first drafts are for. You’re trying to get your creative thoughts and memories on paper without editing as you go along. I encourage that!

But after you finish your first draft, when it’s time to read through and self-edit, you might notice that singsong pattern in certain paragraphs. That’s where self-editing helps to break up the rhythm.

August 3, 2026July 28, 2026

Writing for Your Reader Happens Twice

When you’re writing a book, you always want to keep your ideal reader in mind, from first draft to self-editing phase. But the focus on the reader is slightly different between those two stages, and you need both.

September 15, 2025September 2, 2025

Show, Don’t Tell: A Writing Technique that Immerses Your Reader in the Story

With the fall school season underway, this seems like a good time to learn or practice a writing and self-editing skill. You may have heard the phrase, Show, don’t tell. It’s a helpful technique for strengthening your writing and engaging your reader. Let’s take a look.

August 11, 2025August 2, 2025

Simple Self-Editing Step: Adverbs

Self-editing is a helpful practice for writers. Self-editing helps you grow as a writer. Through self-editing, you will discover areas for self-improvement that you can work on as you write your rough drafts.