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The Wordsmith's Guide to Editing Your Own Novel
Save money on professional editing fees with The Wordsmith's Guide to Editing Your Own Novel!
Written by acclaimed freelance editor and proofreader Elizabeth M. Hurst, this comprehensive manual is the product of years of working with indie author clients and publishers. Here she shares the secrets of getting your novel manuscript ready for publication.
From character development to plot structure to mastering the art of dialogue, each chapter offers invaluable insights to elevate your writing.
Learn about the main different types of editing and the order in which they usually take place for maximum effect.
Includes a handy checklist to guide you through the whole process, and some advice on whether traditional publishing or self-publishing might be for you.
The Wordsmith's Guide to Editing Your Own Novel equips you with the tools to transform your manuscript into a masterpiece, one edit at a time. Dive in and unlock the joy of crafting prose that resonates and endures.
Written by acclaimed freelance editor and proofreader Elizabeth M. Hurst, this comprehensive manual is the product of years of working with indie author clients and publishers. Here she shares the secrets of getting your novel manuscript ready for publication.
From character development to plot structure to mastering the art of dialogue, each chapter offers invaluable insights to elevate your writing.
Learn about the main different types of editing and the order in which they usually take place for maximum effect.
Includes a handy checklist to guide you through the whole process, and some advice on whether traditional publishing or self-publishing might be for you.
The Wordsmith's Guide to Editing Your Own Novel equips you with the tools to transform your manuscript into a masterpiece, one edit at a time. Dive in and unlock the joy of crafting prose that resonates and endures.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 16, 2025
Reading this book felt like having a seasoned editor sitting right beside me, patiently walking me through every stage of refining a manuscript. Elizabeth M. Hurst doesn’t just share tips she lays out the entire process of editing in a way that feels approachable, practical, and surprisingly encouraging.
What I appreciated most is how the book covers not only the technical aspects, like structure, pacing, and dialogue, but also the emotional side of editing learning to see your own work with fresh eyes and not being afraid to reshape it. The section on the different types of editing (developmental, copy, line, etc.) was particularly eye opening for me. It helped me understand the importance of approaching my draft in stages instead of trying to fix everything at once.
The checklist at the end is pure gold. It gave me a sense of direction and made the whole process feel less overwhelming. And I liked how Elizabeth also touched on the realities of publishing, whether traditional or self-publishing, which made the guide feel complete and forward-looking.
This isn’t just a “how to” manual; it’s more like a supportive companion for writers who want to take control of their craft. By the time I finished, I felt both motivated and more confident in my ability to polish my own novel before ever thinking about sending it to a professional editor.
If you’re serious about writing and want to save both time and money while still producing quality work, this book is an essential read.
What I appreciated most is how the book covers not only the technical aspects, like structure, pacing, and dialogue, but also the emotional side of editing learning to see your own work with fresh eyes and not being afraid to reshape it. The section on the different types of editing (developmental, copy, line, etc.) was particularly eye opening for me. It helped me understand the importance of approaching my draft in stages instead of trying to fix everything at once.
The checklist at the end is pure gold. It gave me a sense of direction and made the whole process feel less overwhelming. And I liked how Elizabeth also touched on the realities of publishing, whether traditional or self-publishing, which made the guide feel complete and forward-looking.
This isn’t just a “how to” manual; it’s more like a supportive companion for writers who want to take control of their craft. By the time I finished, I felt both motivated and more confident in my ability to polish my own novel before ever thinking about sending it to a professional editor.
If you’re serious about writing and want to save both time and money while still producing quality work, this book is an essential read.
November 29, 2024
A comprehensive overview of self-editing and more. Elizabeth knows her stuff! I would certainly recommend this to new writers who've completed their first draft.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews