Do Authors Usually Edit Their Own Manuscripts?

When discussing the editing process of authors, the misconception often arises that successful authors only rely on their own edits. However, the reality is more diverse and nuanced. Let's explore the truth behind this commonly held belief and the different approaches authors take to refine their work.

Editing Practices Among Successful Authors

Contrary to popular belief, not all authors edit their own manuscripts. In some cases, authors do rely on themselves to initially draft and then revise their work; however, most successful authors tend to involve external editors and reviewers as well. The reasons behind this practice are varied, including cost considerations and efficiency. If the manuscript is already clean and polished, publishers may choose to handle the editing internally, which can impact the author's compensation. At other times, the author might bear the cost of professional editing, which can be an additional fee.

Personal Editing Experiences

Some authors, like the one described in the anecdote, prefer a more hands-on approach to editing, involving extensive rewriting and rethinking of their work. For instance, this author composes their work in pencil on paper and often makes substantial changes, moving phrases around to enhance the flow and clarity of the text. They view editing as an integral part of the creative process, allowing for spontaneous instant-edits during the composition phase. This practice ensures that every word and sentence is crafted to the author's satisfaction.

The Writing and Revising Process

Other authors, such as fictional Examples A and B, engage in rigorous self-editing and multiple rounds of revision. Example A, for instance, rewrites until every paragraph is perfect, while Example B constantly revisits their work, ensuring that they do not miss any critical elements. They may read their work multiple times, sometimes over 30 times, to polish and refine it. The process of writing and revising is a complex one, involving not only technical aspects like grammar and punctuation but also emotional and thematic coherence.

Using External Editors

In addition to self-editing, many authors opt to work with external editors and reviewers. This can provide fresh perspectives and critical feedback that the author might miss. External editors often have the advantage of a clear separation from the initial creative process, enabling them to offer more objective and constructive critiques. Some authors may only do minor editing themselves, leaving the detailed work to professional editors, which can significantly improve the quality of the final manuscript.

Strategies for Effective Editing

Regardless of whether authors rely on themselves or external help, the key is to maintain a healthy distance from the work during the editing process. This can be achieved by taking breaks and working on other projects in the interim. Fresh eyes often provide the best perspective, allowing authors to identify and address issues that their own memory might otherwise obscure. By letting the manuscript sit for a period, authors can return to it with a more critical and objective eye, ensuring that the final product meets their high standards.

Conclusion

The practice of self-editing and using external editors varies widely among authors. Some prefer a hands-on approach, making extensive changes and edits throughout the process. Others may do minimal self-editing and rely heavily on professional help. The important takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to editing. Authors should experiment with different methods and find what works best for them, considering factors such as time, cost, and personal creativity.