The Editor's Guide 101: For Indie Authors

Most manuscripts do not fail because the writer lacks talent. They fail because the draft is carrying too much: extra words, unclear structure, weak scenes, uneven pacing, and sentences that do not say what the writer meant.

The Editor's Guide 101 is a practical self-editing guide for indie authors who want to revise with control. It shows you how to move from a rough draft to a clean manuscript without panic, without guessing, and without turning editing into punishment.

This book does not treat editing as grammar-only. It treats editing as a full craft: structure, clarity, coherence, voice, and final polish. You will learn how to spot what is not working, what to cut, what to strengthen, and what to keep, while protecting your natural style.

Inside, you will learn how to:

• Edit in layers so you do not get stuck line-editing a broken draft
• Fix structure issues: focus, flow, chapter logic, and scene purpose
• Strengthen clarity, meaning, and readability without losing your voice
• Cut repetition, filler, and weak sentences that slow the reader down
• Check consistency in plot, characters, timeline, and key facts
• Improve pacing, tension, and transitions so the book moves
• Use simple checklists to catch common errors and reduce blind spots
• Use tools and technology wisely without letting software edit your voice
• Work with a professional editor with clearer expectations and fewer surprises

You will also get practical exercises, editing templates, and repeatable checklists you can apply to every book you write. If you want to publish work that feels clean, confident, and professional, The Editor's Guide 101 will help you develop the editing skill that makes your writing hold up.