What are some good self-editing books?

Stacey Sweeney · Sep 6, 2005

I had an agent suggest "Self Editing for Fiction Writers" to me. Are there any other good books out there to help a writer edit their own novel?
Are there any super bad ones I should avoid?
Thanks!
Stacey

johnnysannie · Sep 6, 2005

"Self-Editing For Fiction Writers" is the one I use, also reccommended by a now former agent. I like the book - the agent was inexperienced and ineffectual and I asked to be let out of our agreement.

Hope yours isn't the same agent!!

Euan H. · Sep 6, 2005

The first five pages, by Noah Lukeman is also useful. The exercises are a little simplistic, but the ideas are sound.

paprikapink · Sep 6, 2005

I thought you were going to tell me the incantation for making my book edit itself.

Rats.

LightShadow · Sep 8, 2005

The best book out there I think is "Woe is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Stacey Sweeney · Sep 9, 2005

Is the "Woe is I" book about editing? The title doesn't really sound like it, but that doesn't mean anything.
So far, the "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" is very helpful. I immediatly saw a lot of mistakes in my book. I'm glad the agent (Steve Laube) suggested it before I sent my manuscript to any publishing houses. I didn't realize how much work it needed.
Stacey

LightShadow · Sep 9, 2005

Stacey Sweeney said:
Is the "Woe is I" book about editing? The title doesn't really sound like it, but that doesn't mean anything.
So far, the "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" is very helpful. I immediatly saw a lot of mistakes in my book. I'm glad the agent (Steve Laube) suggested it before I sent my manuscript to any publishing houses. I didn't realize how much work it needed.
Stacey

Woe is I is definitely about self editing. It isn't so stuffy, and I learned more from it than any other self-editing book. In addition, it was recommended to me by my agent. Check it out. It's informative, and fun to read

Stacey Sweeney · Sep 10, 2005

Thanks! I'll give it a try.
Stacey

Ray Dillon · Sep 10, 2005

I use "The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction" from Writer's Digest.

That "Self-Editing for Fiction Writer's" book sounds good. I'll have to check that out.

What are some good self-editing books?

Stacey Sweeney

johnnysannie

Euan H.

Unspeakable

paprikapink

Bored fanatic

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

Stacey Sweeney

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

Stacey Sweeney

Ray Dillon

Artist & Writer