Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction & Nonfiction
Available in paperback and ebook
Stop second-guessing your manuscript. Start editing with a system that actually works.
The Self-Editing Essentials series are not linear reads; they’re toolboxes that first teach you a self-editing system, then help you edit for specific topics of your choice.
Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction: 29 topics to choose from in four passes—Story, Scene, Writing, and Technical
Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction: 21 topics to choose from in four passes—Content, Organization, Writing, and Technical
Finally, a self-editing system that is clear and doesn’t overwhelm.
Does this sound like you?
Worried your disorganized book will cost you potential clients (nonfiction)
Overwhelmed by all the writing craft advice (fiction)
Struggling to establish authority with a clear message (nonfiction)
Worried about plot holes or saggy middles (fiction)
Repeating yourself without realized it (nonfiction)
Stuggling to make your characters come alive on the page (fiction)
Effective self-editing is the first step to solving all that!
A full-system created by a former English teacher and current editor
What readers are saying
As an editor, I regularly encounter writers facing two major challenges: not knowing what to revise and not knowing how to actually do it. This book tackles both beautifully.
What really sets this book apart are the before-and-after examples. Katie doesn’t just tell you what to fix—she shows you exactly how to apply each skill in the revised versions. This transforms the revision process from overwhelming to empowering.
I’d recommend this book to any author who is overwhelmed by the revision process and needs a practical, succinct guide to help them improve their book. This is a wonderful resource I’ll be recommending to my own clients.
—Adina Edelman, fiction editor, Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction
I received an ARC of this book and let me say, this is an amazing resource! I love that it’s loaded this with examples, the before/after section makes a huge difference in delivering the lesson. If I had to sum this book up in one sentence:
“Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction” is the new “Elements of Style” for any writer looking to improve their craft.
—Tim Jacobs, 18x author and hybrid publisher, Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction
Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction: Polishing your Plot, Characters, Scenes, and Prose by Katie Chambers is the quintessential, go-to resource for fiction writers. Ms. Chambers is a brilliant editor with credentials. Her book is a step-by-step guide to equip authors to methodically and intentionally critique and self-edit their first-draft literary creations. […]
She is personal. She is humorous. She is continually the encourager. She wants to pace you, practice you, equip you, organize you and inspire you to grow as a writer. If you work through this book on your first-ever or next draft, I guarantee it will save you time and money bringing in professional editors too soon, improve your book, and grow you as a writer. I highly recommend.
—Catherine Russell, fiction author, Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction
I would recommend this book to any author who wants to grow as an author, reduce the time their book is with their editor, and ultimately publish higher quality books to attract more readers.
I also liked Katie’s personal stories woven throughout the book, which lifts the manuscript from a simple ‘how to’ to a more engaging ‘story’.
—Carrie Wallis, nonfiction author, Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction
As an independent author I'm so glad I found this resource. My first book went through many rounds of editing and I wish I had had this book to help me get my manuscript in a stronger spot before hiring an editor. I will be following all of this incredible advice for my next novels!
—Aryn V, novelist, Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction
If you are serious about improving your writing as an author (as opposed to ‘just’ getting published), you’ll find Katie Chambers’ book an absolute godsend. Her personality shines through as she shares editing nugget after editing nugget. This comprehensive self-help guide will give you a greater appreciation for what editors do, as Katie takes you on a journey from structural editing to the nitty-gritty of punctuation.
By the time you’ve finished self-editing your manuscript, you will feel more empowered as an author, and your editor (and your pocket) will thank you.
—Jackie Raymond, nonfiction editor, Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction
Buy the books
Get Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction
Language: English
Pages: 342 pages
Paperback price: $17.99
Epub/PDF price: $5.99
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Get Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction
Language: English
Pages: 293 pages
Paperback price: $17.99
Epub/PDF price: $5.99
Right click the buttons and select open in a new tab to keep Substack tab open
Buy from me:
Buy from your favorite retailer