self-edits
Fixes one's writing
Self-edits are revisions a writer makes to their own work before sharing it with others.
The term emphasizes the writer's role as first critic—catching errors, tightening prose, reconsidering word choices: Her self-edits improved the manuscript considerably.
To self-edit is to perform this revision: He self-edits obsessively before submitting anything.
Composing text anew
- redraftingRewriting to improve
- reworkingModifying something already made
- rewordingRestating in different terms
- rephrasingRestating in other words
restructuring · reformulating · overhauling · remodeling · reshaping · rearranging · reorganizing · recasting
Smoothing by friction
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
- tweakingSlight adjustment process
- honingGradual sharpening or refining
- sharpeningMaking more cutting
smoothing · tightening · streamlining · perfecting · finessing · trimming · pruning · rhythm
Restoring proper function
- amendingModifying to improve
- rectifyingCorrecting an error
- emendingCorrecting textual errors
- fact-checkingConfirming accuracy of claims
proofreading · copyediting · debugging · patching · adjusting · updating · spell-checking
Dividing via sharp edge
- trimmingCutting away excess
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
- excisingCutting something out
- removingTaking something out
striking · omitting · condensing · abridging · shortening · tightening · redacting · streamlining
Restating in different terms
- simplifyingMaking less complex
- unpackingRemoving items from containers
- disambiguatingResolving multiple possible meanings
- explicatingAnalyzing to clarify meaning
elaborating · specifying · restating · paraphrasing · annotating · glossing · plain language
rewriting
Composing text anew
- redraftingRewriting to improve
- reworkingModifying something already made
- rewordingRestating in different terms
rephrasing · restructuring · reformulating · overhauling · remodeling · reshaping · rearranging · reorganizing · recasting · reconstructing
polishing
Smoothing by friction
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
- tweakingSlight adjustment process
- honingGradual sharpening or refining
sharpening · smoothing · tightening · streamlining · perfecting · finessing · trimming · pruning · rhythm · cadence
fixing
Restoring proper function
- amendingModifying to improve
- rectifyingCorrecting an error
- emendingCorrecting textual errors
fact-checking · proofreading · copyediting · debugging · patching · adjusting · updating · spell-checking
cutting
Dividing via sharp edge
removing · striking · omitting · condensing · abridging · shortening · tightening · redacting · streamlining
rewording
Restating in different terms
- simplifyingMaking less complex
- unpackingRemoving items from containers
- disambiguatingResolving multiple possible meanings
explicating · elaborating · specifying · restating · paraphrasing · annotating · glossing · plain language
self-editspeer review
Expert evaluation before publication
editorial review · collaborative editing · copyediting · critique · copy editing
self-editsunedited
Not yet corrected
stream of consciousness · first draft · unrevised · rough draft · uncorrected
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