Self-editing is a crucial step in refining your manuscript before seeking professional assistance. Read through your entire book, checking for grammar errors, typos, and inconsistencies in the story. Look for areas where the dialogue, descriptions, or pacing could be improved. Reading your work aloud or using text-to-speech software can help you catch mistakes that might be overlooked when reading silently.

After making your first round of revisions, take a break before reviewing it again. This fresh perspective will allow you to catch additional errors and refine awkward phrasing. It’s also beneficial to use tools like grammar checkers and spell-check programs, but don’t rely on them entirely—human review is essential. A well-edited manuscript before professional editing will save time and ensure a smoother revision process.