The short answer is “It depends”.
If you are self- publishing for fun. Then you don’t need an editor. However, if you wish to come across as professional, then it’s best to hire one.
Hiring an editor costs a lot of money. They have their uses too. They remove the ‘oops mistake’ when you can’t see the forest for the trees.
I don’t have the money
This is my first book. I want to see first.
I can do it on my own.
My readers will care about my story rather than grammar mistakes.
If you have the above opinion. This article is for you. I will tell you ways in which you can edit your book. These methods won’t be foolproof. However, they are better than doing nothing.
- Beta Reading
This is the best way to improve your book. Ask your friend or family member to read it for you. Critique is the best way to improve your book. But you need to keep your perspective as well. Every person has their own viewpoint. Don’t feel disheartened.
- Reading backwards
Often it changes your perspective. It helps you visualize better.
- Change your font
Change it to something entirely different. You can play around with the font size. It helps in refreshing the story.
- Give yourself time
After you have written your first draft. Take a break of one week. Then come back. You will see things through new lenses. This tip is also for in-between chapters. It is recommended to edit just 2-3 chapters at once (maximum).
- Read it Aloud
If you can, then try to narrate with emotion. It will help you relate more to your story.
- Print it out
Yep, take out your highlighter and attack it. Be brutally honest with yourself. Otherwise, it won’t work.
- Using Paid Editing tools
Buying an editing tool will help you clean the grammar and typos. Grammarly and ProWritingAid are two software I would recommend.
Doing self-editing is an important step. You should know your weaknesses in your writing style.
The heavier lifting you will do before giving your book to your editor.
The better it will turn out.
So, at the end of the day, doing self-editing won’t hurt.