Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print is a useful book for all writers. It talks about ways to go over your manuscripts with an eye to being published. In a concise and entertaining manner, the book explores many of the reasons why a manuscript might be rejected, and how to fix those problems.

I feel I've learned a lot from owning and re-reading this book. I believe it is a must-have for any serious writer.

Those who are serious about improving their writing.

The chapters on "Point of View" and "Sophistication" were the most helpful to me, but I could see that almost everything in the book was potentially of value as long as I am learning about writing. I am always reading books on how to improve my writing, and I liked the easy style of this book.

I also liked the Checklist they provided at the end of each chapter.

It was too short! I always hate to reach the end of a good book.

In chapter 11, there was one vulgar word--but it was put in the book only for emphasis, and I believe makes the point that the authors were trying to get across.

(I guess I could also say that the little cartoons scattered throughout were not very appealing to me, personally.)

But there were not many negative aspects to this book. It wouldn't be as helpful to someone who is an experienced writer, i.e.: someone who has no trouble getting his/her works published.

Go through all of my manuscripts one at a time, looking for each of the errors that the authors warned against.

After that, I wanted to get to my desk and write!

...like the quality of my work is up to me, and it is always possible to make any piece better. It gave me new hope.

They are two professional editors.

Renni Browne founded The Editorial Department, to teach fiction writers techniques of professional editors.

Dave King has been senior editor with William Morrow publishers since 1987.
He also writes a column at WritersDigest.com.

Their stated purpose is "... to train you to see your manuscript the way an editor might see it ..."

There are a variety of answers to writers' every-day problems. Their advice is easy to read and easy to incorporate into a writer's usual habits. The exercises were great for practicing what I'd learned so far.

They also have a "Checklist", which is basically a summary of each chapter.

I recommend this book most highly. I feel I've learned a lot from reading and studying it.

I can't think of any reason that a writer wouldn't like this book. A non-writer might find it boring, but I think it's a helpful addition for the home library--or desktop.

Their advice is inspiring and practical, and I'm glad it's in my bookcase. I refer to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers on a regular basis.
 
I think you will, too.

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Created Feb 08, 2003 at 12:23am • Submit your own review...