As a first-time author embarking on the journey to publish a book, you’ve likely poured your heart and soul into your manuscript. The process to develop an initial draft can be overwhelming, anxiety-inducing, and frustrating. But at the end of the process, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride that you completed such a major task that so few other people accomplish.

However, writing the first draft is only half the battle.

In our previous article, “5 Tips for First-Time Authors Who Want to Publish a Book“, we touched on the essential advice to “murder your darlings.” Popularized by William Faulkner, this phrase urges writers to ruthlessly cut beloved but unnecessary elements from their work. Following the tip transforms a rough, rambling draft into a tight, engaging story that captivates readers and stands a chance in the competitive publishing world.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll expand on that concept and explore why editing is non-negotiable for aspiring authors, how to approach the process step by step, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies to make your book shine. Whether you’re self-publishing through an indie company like Panthera Publishing or aiming for traditional routes, mastering editing will elevate your work from amateur to professional.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to revise your book effectively.

Let’s dive in and learn how to wield the editor’s knife with confidence.

Why “Murder Your Darlings” Matters for First-Time Authors

The phrase “murder your darlings” isn’t about destroying your creativity. It’s about refining it.

As a new author, it’s easy to fall in love with every word you’ve written.

• Poetic description of a sunset?
• Witty dialogue exchange?
• A scene you emotionally attach to?

They might feel essential, but if they don’t serve the story, they must go. Holding onto them bloats your narrative and makes your writing less appealing to readers.

While many new authors believe editing simply involves punctuation and grammar, the professional editing process involves much more. True editing enhances clarity, pacing, and impact in the manuscript.

Well-edited books minimize distractions, allow deeper immersion, attract/retain attention, and lead to higher engagement/reviews/sales.

For first-time authors, this step is especially vital because your debut sets the tone for your writing career. A polished manuscript signals professionalism to publishers and reviewers, and increases your chances of positive reviews and sales.

But why is this so hard?

Psychologically, authors form attachments to their words, viewing cuts as personal failures. Overcoming this requires mindset shifts. Authors should view editing as a collaboration with their future self, where the goal is a stronger book.

Before You Begin Editing

Before beginning the “murder your darlings” steps, be sure to set aside your draft for a week or two. This “cooling off” period provides a fresh perspective and makes it easier to spot the darlings that need dispatching.

So get your knife sharp. Grab some coffee or tea. Let’s get down to cutting the distracting fat.

Step 1: The Big-Picture Edit – Structural Revisions

Before you dive straight into particular sentences, tackle the bigger picture. Structural editing, or developmental editing, examines your book’s overall architecture.

Ask yourself:

Does the plot flow logically?

Are characters developed consistently?

Does the pacing keep readers hooked?

Do scenes feel out of place or weak?

Are there major deadspots in the book that are boring or counterproductive to the story/narrative?

• Fiction writers can “picture” the story arc by mapping. Use tools like mind maps or spreadsheets to outline chapters, ensuring rising action builds to a climax without unnecessary detours.
• Non-fiction authors should verify that arguments progress coherently, with each chapter building on the last.

Tip: One of the most common issues first-timers should watch for is info-dumps. These chunks of backstory halt momentum and are tedious to read.

To fix this, integrate details gradually through action and dialogue.

For example, instead of a paragraph explaining a character’s past, reveal it in a tense conversation. Or allow other characters to naturally comment on aspects of the main character you wish to magnify.

“‘Did you see Tom’s blue eyes? They lit up the room when he walked in,’ she said.”

Aim to cut 10-20% of your word count by removing needless info dumps.

Want to figure out whether a section is important?

Read your manuscript aloud. Awkward sections will stand out. If a scene doesn’t advance the plot, character, or theme, it’s a darling to murder. Remember, brevity is power. Readers appreciate stories that respect their time.

Tip: Beta readers or writing groups can offer objective feedback. At Panthera Publishing, we recommend sharing early drafts with trusted peers to identify structural weaknesses before professional editing.

Step 2: Line Editing – Refining Language and Style

Once the structure is solid, move to line editing. This stage focuses on word choice, sentence variety, and flow. Your goal? Make every line sing.

Start by hunting the passive voice.

Pay attention to words like “was” that set up passive tense.

“The ball was thrown by John” becomes “John threw the ball.”

“He was running” becomes “He ran”.

Destroy the passive voice. On rare occasions, it may be beneficial or necessary. However, too often, authors believe they’re sounding more intellectual when in reality they’re losing impact.

Cut needless phrases

This habit weakens your writing. Even though writers believe they’re improving description, in reality, they’re slowing down the reader.

“He was running down the road to get a bagel for himself.”

Notice what isn’t needed? Unless the scene is setting up his bagel retrieval for a girlfriend or parent, the reader will assume the breakfast-on-the-go is for the character.

“He ran down the road to get a bagel.”

Feels cleaner, doesn’t it?

Tip: Beware of phrases like “he started to” or “he began to.” In certain scenarios, those phrases have relevance, but they often slow down the reader needlessly.

Adverbs are often darlings in disguise.

Stephen King famously said, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”

Replace “She ran quickly” with “She sprinted” for more vivid imagery. Remember, no one ever said, “I wish this book used more adverbs!”

Cliches are another target.

Phrases like “at the end of the day” dilute originality. Brainstorm fresh alternatives to make your voice unique.

Tip: Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway App can assist with this stage of editing by highlighting complex sentences and readability scores. Aim for a Flesch-Kincaid grade level of 8-10 for broad appeal.

Step 3: Copyediting – Polishing for Perfection

Copyediting is the final sweep before proofreading. It catches the nitty-gritty, such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency.

• Check for inconsistencies, such as a character’s eye color changing midway through the book. Use style guides such as the Chicago Manual for books, or AP for articles, to standardize formatting.
• Punctuation matters. Overuse of exclamation points screams amateurism! Use them sparingly for impact! The more you use them, the less they stand out! The reading may feel stilted and exaggerated!
• Fact-check everything, especially in non-fiction. Inaccurate details erode credibility and diminish the author’s strength. For historical fiction, verify dates and events.
• Cut fillers. This is where you truly “murder” redundant words. Words like “very,” “really,” and “just” often feel sluggish and general.
• Tighten dialogue tags: “He said” over “He exclaimed vociferously.” The reader subconsciously fills in the conversation, and words like “said” or “asked” are caught quickly as the eye scans. The reader has to slow down when you say, “He exclaimed vociferously.” Just say, “He shouted.” (For added points, you could describe his action. “Get out!” He slammed the door)

Common Editing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Trap: First-time authors often over-edit, stripping away their unique voice in pursuit of perfection.
Solution: Keep a “kill file” for cut sections. You can always resurrect them later.

Trap: Editing while writing.
Solution: Divide the tasks. Create without judgment. Then go back and edit. Separating creation from critique preserves momentum.

Trap: Procrastinating on the editing stage.
Solution: Procrastination is real. So, set deadlines, like editing one chapter per day. Reward yourself to stay motivated. And avoid protecting your pride by going solo. Professional editors bring fresh eyes and elevate your writing to another level.

Side note: Indie publishers like Panthera offer affordable editing services tailored for new authors.

Advanced Techniques: Beta Testing and Iteration

After self-edits, enlist beta readers who will give honest feedback before you launch your book. When you’ve selected your beta readers, provide them with specific questions, such as “Where did you lose interest?”

Their insights reveal blind spots and help strengthen the manuscript. 

Tools and Resources for Effective Editing

• Software: Scrivener for organization, ProWritingAid for in-depth analysis.
• Books: “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King.
• Communities: Join Reddit’s r/Writing or NaNoWriMo forums.
• Professional Help: Consider Panthera Publishing’s editing packages for personalized guidance.

Conclusion: Embrace the Edit for Publishing Success

“Murdering your darlings” isn’t easy. But that’s what makes it so effective. By systematically editing your manuscript, you’ll craft a book that’s compelling, concise, and market-ready.

As a first-time author, this skill sets you apart, boosting your chances of publishing success.

Remember, every great writer from Hemingway to Rowling has wielded the editor’s blade. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your story soar.

Ready to publish? Visit Panthera Publishing for more resources on turning your manuscript into a masterpiece.

If you’re inspired, share your editing experiences in the comments below. What’s your biggest “darling” you’ve had to cut?