Asides

When editing, read your work aloud. You will be surprised how different it sounds, and the errors you’ll find.

This is the best self-editing technique that you should adopt.

Try to get into the habit of writing every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes.

Try not to edit while you’re creating your first draft. Creating and editing are two separate processes using different sides of the brain, and if you try doing both at once you’ll lose. Make a deal with your internal editor that it will get the chance to rip your piece to shreds; it will just need to wait some time.

A really nice trick is to switch off your monitor when you’re typing. You can’t edit what you can’t see.

Write often and to completion by following a realistic writing schedule.