Guest Barbara McMahon: Self-Editing Made Simple

Today we’re delighted to welcome bestselling, award-winning author Barbara McMahon to Seekerville! She’s written more than 80 novels which have sold more than 16 million copies worldwide in more than fifty countries and in twenty-eight languages!

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Barbara is sharing a few tips on how she self-edits her manuscripts, but this is also a perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding other areas of the writing craft and such an amazing career!
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Her August release, “Mirror Image Bride,” is Book #2 in the new 6-book Harlequin Love Inspired "Texas Twins" series, preceded by “Her Surprise Sister” (Marta Perry), and followed by “Carbon Copy Cowboy (Arlene James), “Look-Alike Lawman” (Seeker Glynna Kaye!), “The Soldier’s Newfound Family” (Kathryn Springer, and “Reunited for the Holidays” (Jillian Hart).
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And now, here’s Barbara!
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One of the important aspects of writing is making sure the manuscript is as clean as possible before submitting it. For me, this translates into editing the manuscript until it shines. My goal is to have as few comments by my editor as possible.
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This is my system. It might work for you, it might not. Take what you can use and ignore the rest. First I write the book from beginning to end. I usually have a basic outline, but not too detailed as when I’m writing new ideas pop into mind and that alters the flow of the story. I then jot the ideas down to go back once I’m finished to insert hints to lead up to a change or special scene.
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Once the entire manuscript is finished, I begin the edit stage. First of all, I know I use some words to excess–like the word just. I just slip it in characters’ conversation. I use it in the narrative. Most of the time I don’t need it. Recognizing that this is a failing of mine, I do a global search for “just.” At each one I determine if I need it or not. Or could another word substitute. I do this for other words as well that I use to excess.
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Then I double check for its versus it’s, and there, their, they’re to make sure I’ve written those correctly. I know the difference, but when typing flat out to get the story down, there’s no telling what these fingers will do.
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I read it from the beginning concentrating on the hero. I want him to be strong and dynamic. Yet the first draft will have him smiling at inappropriate times or chuckling. My heroes don’t chuckle. I concentrate on the descriptions both physical and personality wise to make sure he’s consistent throughout.
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Same thing with the heroine. By this time I’m starting to skip parts because I’ve been through the manuscript so many times.
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If possible (and I try to allow enough time when establishing the due date), I put the whole thing aside for a week or two. I read. I clean my office. I visit with friends. Doing as much as I can that’s as different from writing as I can get.
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Another read. This time I read it aloud. When reading silently, I find I “see” what I expect to see, not what’s there or missing. Reading aloud makes sure I hit every word. This is my final pass before sending it in and I want to make sure I catch mistakes before my editor does. I call this my polishing stage. Making sure it’s as clean and complete as I can make it.
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Then it’s ready to go.
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There are many different ways to self edit. Or even share with a critique group. What works best for you?
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If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of “Mirror Image Bride,” please mention it in the comments section--then watch our Weekend Edition for the winner!
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Surprise Family. In tiny Grasslands, Texas, Maddie Wallace has discovered siblings she never knew existed—including a twin sister. When ranch foreman and single father Ty Garland hires her as nanny for the daughter he just discovered, it’s only temporary. The handsome loner thinks she’s just a glamorous city gal in borrowed cowgirl boots. He knows the type. And he expects her to hightail it back to Fort Worth the minute she sorts out her family secrets. But it turns out Maddie has just found where she belongs--in every possible way.
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Texas Twins: Two sets of twins, torn apart by family secrets, find their way home.
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About Barbara: Known for her heartwarming, emotional stories, Barbara McMahon excels in capturing those feelings when first falling in love.  She has won or been nominated for every major award in the romance genre, from a double nomination in the RITA to winning the Bookseller's Best, National Reader's Choice Award, and the prestigious HOLT Medallion, among others.  Barbara lives in a rural county in California's gold rush country. She loves the history of the place and is involved in the county's genealogy group and historic cemetery preservation in addition to volunteering one day a week at the local Animal Shelter.