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Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing
What separates a good manuscript from a publishable one? Effective editing.
In Intuitive Editing, veteran editor Tiffany Yates Martin reveals the professional editing techniques that help writers transform rough drafts into compelling, polished stories. Drawing on decades of experience working with bestselling and emerging authors, Martin demystifies the revision process and provides a practical framework for strengthening every aspect of fiction writing.
Whether you're writing a novel, short story, memoir, or narrative nonfiction, this comprehensive editing guide teaches you how to evaluate your manuscript with clarity, identify weaknesses that may be holding your story back, and make revisions that deepen reader engagement.
Inside you'll to develop your “editor brain” and approach revision with objectivityHow to diagnose common story problems, and practical, actionable techniques for fixing them at the root, not the surfaceTools for strengthening character, plot, story structure, and pacingHow to identify and fix weak scenes, flat tension, or unclear stakesHow to master suspense and tension, point of view, and voiceHow to recognize and eliminate common writing pitfalls and weak proseHow to climb “Revision Mountain” without overwhelm—step by stepUnlike rigid rule-based writing manuals, Intuitive Editing helps writers develop the editorial instincts used by professional editors and successful authors. Martin shows not only what to fix, but why it matters and how those changes improve the reader's experience.
Praised by bestselling authors and industry pros, Intuitive Editing is an essential resource for anyone serious about mastering revision and producing stronger, more engaging stories, perfect for aspiring authors, self-published writers, creative writing students, book coaches, editors, and experienced novelists seeking to elevate their craft.
If you're looking for a trusted guide to fiction editing, manuscript revision, self-editing techniques, story structure, character development, and professional-level writing improvement, Intuitive Editing belongs on your writing shelf.
In Intuitive Editing, veteran editor Tiffany Yates Martin reveals the professional editing techniques that help writers transform rough drafts into compelling, polished stories. Drawing on decades of experience working with bestselling and emerging authors, Martin demystifies the revision process and provides a practical framework for strengthening every aspect of fiction writing.
Whether you're writing a novel, short story, memoir, or narrative nonfiction, this comprehensive editing guide teaches you how to evaluate your manuscript with clarity, identify weaknesses that may be holding your story back, and make revisions that deepen reader engagement.
Inside you'll to develop your “editor brain” and approach revision with objectivityHow to diagnose common story problems, and practical, actionable techniques for fixing them at the root, not the surfaceTools for strengthening character, plot, story structure, and pacingHow to identify and fix weak scenes, flat tension, or unclear stakesHow to master suspense and tension, point of view, and voiceHow to recognize and eliminate common writing pitfalls and weak proseHow to climb “Revision Mountain” without overwhelm—step by stepUnlike rigid rule-based writing manuals, Intuitive Editing helps writers develop the editorial instincts used by professional editors and successful authors. Martin shows not only what to fix, but why it matters and how those changes improve the reader's experience.
Praised by bestselling authors and industry pros, Intuitive Editing is an essential resource for anyone serious about mastering revision and producing stronger, more engaging stories, perfect for aspiring authors, self-published writers, creative writing students, book coaches, editors, and experienced novelists seeking to elevate their craft.
If you're looking for a trusted guide to fiction editing, manuscript revision, self-editing techniques, story structure, character development, and professional-level writing improvement, Intuitive Editing belongs on your writing shelf.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 24, 2020
I found this book to be perfect for a "before the writing started," versus after a manuscript made it into the first draft. It worked well to help me outline and develop my characters from the start. I've read many books on craft and always find each of them helpful in their own right. And this was one to have dog-eared pages and highlighted sentences. I'll be using this for the rest of my writing career (and wish I had it sooner!)
July 13, 2020
I read this book after wrapping up a first draft of new novel, but its wisdom is something I will apply to shiny first drafts moving forward, too. That's the beauty of this book - it was written to help writers learn to edit, but everything in here applies to the actual writing phase, as well. Building characters, maintaining tension, how to structure your story--all of it easily explained in a way you can apply to your own story. A must-read for every author!
May 5, 2020
"Tiffany Yates Martin has given an immeasurable gift to writers - expert help on the all-important stage of editing. In a crowded field of craft books, this stands out by digging deep into what happens after the writing. With copious examples of familiar favorites and probing questions that will help a writer take an honest look at their work, Martin's book will be one that you'll want to read and reference again and again. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves! And to be wowed by what is possible."
May 5, 2020
Tiffany Yates Martin is a super successful development editor, so I knew that if she could get a hundredth of what she teaches writers one-on-one into this book, it would be an absolute winner- which it is!
What bothers me the most with some craft books is how they are filled with rules and things not to do. But in focusing there, they avoid the true hard work of explaining how you create a compelling novel. e.g how do you take a protagonist your beta readers are saying is unlikeable and make them relatable? Or take a set of scenes that is moving along, but just ho-hum in terms of the reader being immersed, and make them truly live and feel your characters’ emotions?
What Tiffany teaches is how to critically look at your own work and ask how to let it flower into the beautiful story it can become, using your own intuition. Yes, you can still take a methodological approach to analyzing and revising your story, but most importantly, it starts with a sense of compassion for your own work.
The book walks through how to look at your work one layer at a time, starting with character, stakes and plot, before diving deeper into more micro-level edits involving point of view and pacing, and structure.
The appeal is that Tiffany’s paradigm is different. Her message is to stop being so hard on yourself and thinking about your book or your early work as broken, but instead hone your intuition by looking at other great storytelling, and approach your work one layer at a time, with the love and care it deserves.
Every writer needs this book, and what it teaches. The best craft writing book that's released in years.
What bothers me the most with some craft books is how they are filled with rules and things not to do. But in focusing there, they avoid the true hard work of explaining how you create a compelling novel. e.g how do you take a protagonist your beta readers are saying is unlikeable and make them relatable? Or take a set of scenes that is moving along, but just ho-hum in terms of the reader being immersed, and make them truly live and feel your characters’ emotions?
What Tiffany teaches is how to critically look at your own work and ask how to let it flower into the beautiful story it can become, using your own intuition. Yes, you can still take a methodological approach to analyzing and revising your story, but most importantly, it starts with a sense of compassion for your own work.
The book walks through how to look at your work one layer at a time, starting with character, stakes and plot, before diving deeper into more micro-level edits involving point of view and pacing, and structure.
The appeal is that Tiffany’s paradigm is different. Her message is to stop being so hard on yourself and thinking about your book or your early work as broken, but instead hone your intuition by looking at other great storytelling, and approach your work one layer at a time, with the love and care it deserves.
Every writer needs this book, and what it teaches. The best craft writing book that's released in years.
February 17, 2021
As someone new to the holy-crap-I-actually-wrote-a-book club, I was expecting a book on self editing to be a rigid list of dos and don’ts. This is not that book. What Intuitive Editing does accomplish is giving authors approachable insights to help measure if they’re servicing their story well. Intuitive Editing is an easy read and gives just enough examples without weighing down the flow of information. Tiffany Yates Martin takes the reader through broader scope items such as character, stakes and plot, to more technical subjects such as line editing.
This book would’ve also been a great read before I sat down to write my actual story. I can definitely see myself coming back to reference Intuitive Editing in the future as I begin new projects.
This book would’ve also been a great read before I sat down to write my actual story. I can definitely see myself coming back to reference Intuitive Editing in the future as I begin new projects.
December 20, 2021
A very practical guide, and a book that I'll keep on my shelf so I can refer back to it.
August 21, 2021
This little book was easy to read and had enough helpful things to say that I'm going to keep it on my shelf to refer to. It focuses mostly on the developmental edit, asking foundation questions about your plot, voice, pace, characters, etc., questions most authors ought to ask before/as they write, I think, not afterwards. As such, it really was largely a writing book. I shouldn't be to the editing stage without knowing the different POV options, you know? So it seemed to have a lot of basic information. However, I don't have a lot of writing books yet, so I'll refer back to it to double check and make sure I'm remembering everything I'm supposed to. There was a small bit at the end about line editing and nothing about copyediting except that it exists. The end of the book talked about critique groups, beta readers, and hiring professional editors.
Another thing is that as small as this book was, she kept saying things and pointing to other chapters- "read more about this in the suspense and tension chapter" - and I began to feel like she was taking up too much room being redundant and directing us around the book, which isn't big enough to get lost in.
This book would be most helpful to new authors (like me) and writers who are familiar with enough popular books and movies to internalize all of her examples. (The last is not necessary to understand what she's getting across but would increase your enjoyment of the book.)
Another thing is that as small as this book was, she kept saying things and pointing to other chapters- "read more about this in the suspense and tension chapter" - and I began to feel like she was taking up too much room being redundant and directing us around the book, which isn't big enough to get lost in.
This book would be most helpful to new authors (like me) and writers who are familiar with enough popular books and movies to internalize all of her examples. (The last is not necessary to understand what she's getting across but would increase your enjoyment of the book.)
April 30, 2020
I've never understood how to edit. I just start reading, and more often than not, end up fixing clunky sentences, and never get to the deeper, more important part. Plot holes, cardboard characters, etc.
This book shows you HOW to edit. How to stand back and see your work through objective eyes. How much is that worth?!!! But wait, there's more ;) - I'm just thinking about a new book idea, and reading this book helped me fix problems BEFORE I wrote a word! Wow.
I had an ebook copy, and just bought the paperback, because I want to mark it up, fold pages and use post-it flags!
Seriously. If you're a serious writer, you've got to have this one on your shelf.
This book shows you HOW to edit. How to stand back and see your work through objective eyes. How much is that worth?!!! But wait, there's more ;) - I'm just thinking about a new book idea, and reading this book helped me fix problems BEFORE I wrote a word! Wow.
I had an ebook copy, and just bought the paperback, because I want to mark it up, fold pages and use post-it flags!
Seriously. If you're a serious writer, you've got to have this one on your shelf.
May 5, 2020
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a blurb. All thoughts are my own.
Intuitive Editing takes the daunting task of revising fiction and transforms it into an approachable and (dare I say it?) exciting process. I walked away from this book with a powerful self-editing action plan and newfound confidence in my ability to successfully revise my stories. I'd recommend this gem of a book to any writer eager to overcome the overwhelm of the editing process.
Intuitive Editing takes the daunting task of revising fiction and transforms it into an approachable and (dare I say it?) exciting process. I walked away from this book with a powerful self-editing action plan and newfound confidence in my ability to successfully revise my stories. I'd recommend this gem of a book to any writer eager to overcome the overwhelm of the editing process.
June 13, 2020
Even though I am not in the editing phase of my current novel, I still found this to be a helpful and encouraging book. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is in the midst of editing, or thinking of writing their own book(s)!
May 4, 2022
One of the best books I've read on editing so far.
A comprehensive guide that's easy to understand, gives some great examples, and offers fantastic advice.
Initially, I listened to this on audiobook, but loved it so much that I bought a hard copy too - it's a brilliant resource and one every writer should have.
A comprehensive guide that's easy to understand, gives some great examples, and offers fantastic advice.
Initially, I listened to this on audiobook, but loved it so much that I bought a hard copy too - it's a brilliant resource and one every writer should have.
May 27, 2021
Tiffany Yates Martin
Intuitive Editing: A Creative & Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing
Start 2021.04.11
End 2021.05.25
Acquired 2021.04.07 Amazon
This is an excellent book for writers who have finished their first manuscript, and want to know “What now?” So much of the literature encourages you to write, write, write, with reckless abandon. But then what? There are other books on various aspects of editing, including a short one that functions more like a list. This book is the best that I have encountered and now is my “go to book” for being serious about editing.
Not only does the author lay out an overall approach to editing (multiple passes), she also breaks down the major components of it, from the macro edits of the “holy trinity” of storytelling: Character, Stakes, and Plot, to the micro edits that strengthen these elements and the overall story, including Suspense and Tension, Point of View, Showing and Telling, Structure, Momentum and Pace, and Voice. She also covers Line Editing and Getting Feedback on one’s manuscript.
Besides the thorough approach to editing, her explanations of the concepts are clear. For example, she explains Momentum and Pace by the statements “both Niagara Falls and the Mississippi River have momentum, but each is moving at very different paces.” She adds, momentum is a function of story, pace is a function of scene.
Often she illustrates concepts through bad and better worded examples.
Her style is engaging and humorous in places.
After reading her book, while I still have to steel myself for editing the 450 page manuscript, at least now I won’t be as clueless as I was when I too asked myself, and many other people, what now!
To the author—THANK YOU.
FB. An excellent, must own book for the first-time writer who, having finished a manuscript, wants to know what editing entails. A thorough and engaging approach to editing, with clear explanations of the concepts and multiple examples. It gave me the courage and confidence to edit a 450-page manuscript.
Intuitive Editing: A Creative & Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing
Start 2021.04.11
End 2021.05.25
Acquired 2021.04.07 Amazon
This is an excellent book for writers who have finished their first manuscript, and want to know “What now?” So much of the literature encourages you to write, write, write, with reckless abandon. But then what? There are other books on various aspects of editing, including a short one that functions more like a list. This book is the best that I have encountered and now is my “go to book” for being serious about editing.
Not only does the author lay out an overall approach to editing (multiple passes), she also breaks down the major components of it, from the macro edits of the “holy trinity” of storytelling: Character, Stakes, and Plot, to the micro edits that strengthen these elements and the overall story, including Suspense and Tension, Point of View, Showing and Telling, Structure, Momentum and Pace, and Voice. She also covers Line Editing and Getting Feedback on one’s manuscript.
Besides the thorough approach to editing, her explanations of the concepts are clear. For example, she explains Momentum and Pace by the statements “both Niagara Falls and the Mississippi River have momentum, but each is moving at very different paces.” She adds, momentum is a function of story, pace is a function of scene.
Often she illustrates concepts through bad and better worded examples.
Her style is engaging and humorous in places.
After reading her book, while I still have to steel myself for editing the 450 page manuscript, at least now I won’t be as clueless as I was when I too asked myself, and many other people, what now!
To the author—THANK YOU.
FB. An excellent, must own book for the first-time writer who, having finished a manuscript, wants to know what editing entails. A thorough and engaging approach to editing, with clear explanations of the concepts and multiple examples. It gave me the courage and confidence to edit a 450-page manuscript.
July 23, 2020
This is like no other book on editing I've ever read, as it gives an author a deeper insight into the editing process. This is not the line by line editing process, but moreover how to approach a first, second and third draft. I enjoyed this book immensely, I highly recommend any author, no matter where you are in your journey to buy this, read it thoroughly, then read it again. There are some great guidelines to make your stories even better.
May 8, 2020
Intuitive Editing is a gift from Tiffany Yates Martin that has endless potential to help writers and editors alike...or anyone who cares about effective storytelling. As a writer, I plan to read this book over and over and over. It’s never going to sit peacefully on the bookshelf. It is full of thoughtful tips and examples that I know will help me improve and develop my craft. As an editor, I’m excited that someone this knowledgeable and passionate has generously shared her wisdom with us about how to approach the all-important task of editing from the “micro” to the “macro.” The book’s organization and style work seamlessly to offer countless useful suggestions and ideas without being preachy, overwhelming, or academic. If you want to dabble in writing, or you’re working on your ninth book already, I swear this funny, caring, intelligent book is going to make you better at what you do.
July 21, 2020
You’re just starting to write, or perhaps you’ve finished the hard work of completing the first draft of your manuscript. Congratulations! Be sure to celebrate. But whether you’re still in the planning stage or have a manuscript in front of you, how do you improve a plot that sort-of works, characters that almost soar, and themes that aren’t quite there yet? This is the challenge that Tiffany Yates Martin addresses in INTUITIVE EDITING. Packed with great tips for identifying and (more importantly) fixing the problems that may lurk in your story, this is a beautifully organized resource that should be on every writer’s shelf. I read it straight through, pausing often to take notes, but I suspect I’ll reach for this book every time I sit down to edit. Reflecting years of editorial experience and packed with wonderful examples, INTUITIVE EDITING needs to be one of your writing references.
August 5, 2020
I want someday to make enough money to have Tiffany Yates Martin edit one of my books. Until then, I'll use this jewel-of-a-tool book to improve my writing and editing.
Her writing is so accessible and so interesting that you forget you are reading it for a purpose, and you just settle into it and enjoy learning. I shook my head at some of my own misconceptions or deficiencies, but I didn't feel bad about it. Instead, I felt as if I were having coffee with a very smart and likeable friend while getting some of the best advice out there.
I ordered the Kindle copy, but I'm also going to order the paperback. This is a book that I will use as a resource to continue to hone my writing and editing skills. I trust both can only get better if I follow her excellent advice.
Her writing is so accessible and so interesting that you forget you are reading it for a purpose, and you just settle into it and enjoy learning. I shook my head at some of my own misconceptions or deficiencies, but I didn't feel bad about it. Instead, I felt as if I were having coffee with a very smart and likeable friend while getting some of the best advice out there.
I ordered the Kindle copy, but I'm also going to order the paperback. This is a book that I will use as a resource to continue to hone my writing and editing skills. I trust both can only get better if I follow her excellent advice.
December 13, 2020
Intuitive Editing lays out a plan for revising your rough draft (and subsequent drafts) that starts with macro editing, moves to micro editing, and then to line editing. It's a logical flow. Special attention is paid to developmental editing.
If you buy only one book on editing/revising/rewriting, then this should be it.
If you buy only one book on editing/revising/rewriting, then this should be it.
August 25, 2021
Very interesting read with lots of helpful advice and plenty to think about and return to. Sometimes I felt as though the advice was tailored to particular genres (or, I should say, ignoring particular genres), but I think if one was to dip in and out and take the advice that they felt they needed, this is an excellent resource overall.
July 2, 2020
Fantastic book! My only wish is that it would have been released back in 2012 when I was editing my first book. Tiffany's knowledge and expertise is clear and she conveys it in a way that is easy to understand. The examples she provides are priceless. Highly recommended!
August 1, 2021
This is a fabulous book. It covers all the important bases, from the macro edit all the way down to the minute details. It's arranged in a logical way, uses lots of relevant examples from books and film, and Yates Martin has an engaging voice. For me, the developmental sections were most helpful, but other writers may need the support in other places. I would highly recommend it for all writers - just skim through the parts you don't need as much and highlight effusively in other parts! Also a great choice for public library shelves. I purchased this for my 800s collection.
October 25, 2022
Refreshing.
That's usually not the word I associate with a book on editing. But Intuitive Editing was just that.
I was drawn in by the title, since I wholeheartedly believe intuition is both a writer’s and editor's most important tool. Although the book did not focus entirely on intuition as our guide to editing, it more than kept its promise by delivering a simple yet comprehensive collection of valuable wisdom and insights from the author's vast experience as a dev editor. It is indeed a wonderful resource, one that would be beneficial to have in any library.
That's usually not the word I associate with a book on editing. But Intuitive Editing was just that.
I was drawn in by the title, since I wholeheartedly believe intuition is both a writer’s and editor's most important tool. Although the book did not focus entirely on intuition as our guide to editing, it more than kept its promise by delivering a simple yet comprehensive collection of valuable wisdom and insights from the author's vast experience as a dev editor. It is indeed a wonderful resource, one that would be beneficial to have in any library.
October 6, 2021
Excellent, thorough book on the revision process. Definitely one I will read again.
December 23, 2023
Thorough with many illustrative examples.
June 30, 2024
A lot of good, basic-level information on writing craft - I reccomend this for writers just starting out!
May 10, 2026
Must-read for authors. Well-structured, sound advice.
June 23, 2020
Great book that clearly explains all the components of editing your book by breaking it down into small manageable steps . Covers everything you could think of! Bravo!
December 13, 2024
A very well done book. The author keeps readers engaged with excellent organization, pertinent examples, and a bright, casual, don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously tone. Very informative. As a nonfiction editor, I learned a lot about storytelling.
May 20, 2021
Despite being predominantly about fiction editing, this book was pretty much everything I was hoping for when I picked up Copyediting for Dummies: easy to read, accessible and actually up to date.
Fiction editing is something I've always wanted to try my hand at, but never known where to start. And if nothing else, this book has reinforced my desire to upskill in this area (rather than just focusing on non-fiction, which is what I've mostly done so far). Reading it has also made me slightly squirmy about the mistakes I've made in the one fiction copyedit I've done in the past. At least I'll know better for next time!
On top of that element, reading Intuitive Editing has given me some really great ideas for what I want the book I'm looking at writing - about non-fiction self-editing - to be. And you can believe that I'll be citing Ms Yates Martin in several places if/when I write mine because she has some really useful, practical information in here for all writers - especially in the last third of the book.
Outside of what I've found personally useful in the book, I also very much enjoyed the writing style - it's fun, engaging, and full of example references to books and movies I've actually heard of. (OK, not all of them - but many).
Overall, a practical, enjoyable read, and I'll be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.
Fiction editing is something I've always wanted to try my hand at, but never known where to start. And if nothing else, this book has reinforced my desire to upskill in this area (rather than just focusing on non-fiction, which is what I've mostly done so far). Reading it has also made me slightly squirmy about the mistakes I've made in the one fiction copyedit I've done in the past. At least I'll know better for next time!
On top of that element, reading Intuitive Editing has given me some really great ideas for what I want the book I'm looking at writing - about non-fiction self-editing - to be. And you can believe that I'll be citing Ms Yates Martin in several places if/when I write mine because she has some really useful, practical information in here for all writers - especially in the last third of the book.
Outside of what I've found personally useful in the book, I also very much enjoyed the writing style - it's fun, engaging, and full of example references to books and movies I've actually heard of. (OK, not all of them - but many).
Overall, a practical, enjoyable read, and I'll be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.
January 21, 2022
Writers at every level will find gems upon gems in this book.
June 13, 2020
Another solid craft book for when you've finished a decent first draft and are ready to move your writing to the next level. Read it, follow its advice, and improve your writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews