Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Last updated: Sep 4, 2023

Summary of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to edit and revise fiction writing. The book is divided into twelve chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of self-editing.

The first chapter, "Show and Tell," emphasizes the importance of showing rather than telling in fiction writing. The authors explain how to create vivid scenes and engage readers through the use of sensory details and dialogue.

In the second chapter, "Characterization and Exposition," Browne and King discuss the effective ways to introduce and develop characters. They provide techniques for avoiding excessive exposition and encourage writers to reveal character traits through actions and dialogue.

The third chapter, "Point of View," explores the different perspectives from which a story can be told. The authors explain the advantages and challenges of various points of view and offer guidance on choosing the most suitable one for a particular story.

"Proportion" is the focus of the fourth chapter, where Browne and King discuss the importance of balancing different elements of a story, such as dialogue, description, and action. They provide tips on avoiding excessive repetition and ensuring a smooth flow of narrative.

In the fifth chapter, "Dialogue Mechanics," the authors delve into the intricacies of writing effective dialogue. They offer advice on using dialogue tags, punctuation, and formatting to create realistic and engaging conversations.

The sixth chapter, "See How It Sounds," emphasizes the significance of reading aloud during the editing process. Browne and King explain how reading aloud can help identify awkward phrasing, inconsistencies, and other issues that may not be apparent when reading silently.

"Interior Monologue" is the focus of the seventh chapter, where the authors discuss the use of internal thoughts and reflections to deepen characterization and provide insights into a character's motivations and emotions.

In the eighth chapter, "Easy Beats," Browne and King explore the concept of beats, which are small actions or gestures that can enhance the pacing and rhythm of a scene. They provide examples and techniques for incorporating beats effectively into the narrative.

The ninth chapter, "Breaking Up Is Easy to Do," addresses the importance of paragraphing and sentence structure. The authors offer guidance on creating paragraphs that are visually appealing and easy to read, as well as tips for varying sentence length and structure to maintain reader interest.

In the tenth chapter, "Sophistication," Browne and King discuss the importance of using precise and appropriate language in fiction writing. They provide examples of common writing pitfalls and offer suggestions for improving clarity and avoiding clichés.

The eleventh chapter, "Voice," explores the concept of authorial voice and how it can be developed and maintained throughout a story. The authors provide techniques for finding and refining one's unique voice as a writer.

Finally, in the twelfth chapter, "False Starts," Browne and King address common mistakes and pitfalls that writers may encounter during the editing process. They offer advice on how to identify and rectify these issues, ensuring a polished and professional final product.

Overall, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers is an invaluable resource for writers seeking to improve their self-editing skills. Browne and King's comprehensive guide covers a wide range of topics, providing practical advice and examples that can help writers elevate their fiction writing to the next level.

1. Show, Don't Tell

One of the most important takeaways from "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" is the concept of "show, don't tell." This principle emphasizes the importance of using vivid and specific details to allow readers to experience the story rather than simply being told what is happening. By showing rather than telling, writers can create a more immersive and engaging reading experience.

For example, instead of saying "She was sad," a writer could show the character's sadness by describing her slumped shoulders, tear-streaked face, and trembling voice. This not only paints a clearer picture for the reader but also allows them to connect with the character on a deeper emotional level. By mastering the art of showing, writers can bring their stories to life and make them more memorable.

2. Avoid Overusing Adverbs

Another valuable insight from the book is the importance of avoiding overusing adverbs. While adverbs can be useful in certain situations, relying too heavily on them can weaken the writing and make it feel less impactful. Instead of using adverbs to modify verbs, the book suggests finding stronger verbs that can convey the desired meaning on their own.

For example, instead of writing "She walked quickly," a writer could use a stronger verb like "She sprinted" or "She dashed." This not only eliminates the need for an adverb but also adds more energy and specificity to the sentence. By being mindful of adverb usage and opting for stronger verbs, writers can create more dynamic and engaging prose.

3. Cut Unnecessary Dialogue Tags

The book also highlights the importance of cutting unnecessary dialogue tags. Dialogue tags are used to attribute speech to a specific character, such as "he said" or "she asked." While these tags are necessary at times, using them too frequently can become distracting and disrupt the flow of the dialogue.

Instead of relying on dialogue tags to indicate who is speaking, the book suggests using action beats or character descriptions to convey the same information. For example, instead of writing "John said, 'I don't know,'" a writer could write "John scratched his head. 'I don't know.'" This not only adds more depth to the scene but also eliminates the need for a dialogue tag. By cutting unnecessary dialogue tags, writers can create more seamless and immersive dialogue exchanges.

4. Vary Sentence Length

An important insight from the book is the significance of varying sentence length. Using sentences of different lengths can add rhythm and flow to the writing, making it more engaging for the reader. A string of short sentences can create a sense of urgency or excitement, while longer sentences can provide a more reflective or descriptive tone.

By consciously varying sentence length, writers can create a more dynamic reading experience. This can be achieved by combining short and long sentences within paragraphs and throughout the entire piece. By paying attention to sentence length, writers can enhance the overall rhythm and impact of their writing.

5. Cut Excessive Exposition

The book also emphasizes the importance of cutting excessive exposition. Exposition refers to the background information or explanations that a writer provides to the reader. While some exposition is necessary to provide context and clarity, too much can bog down the story and slow down the pacing.

Instead of providing lengthy explanations, the book suggests incorporating information into the narrative through action, dialogue, or character thoughts. This allows the reader to discover information organically, making the story more engaging and immersive. By cutting excessive exposition, writers can maintain a brisk pace and keep readers hooked.

6. Use Strong Opening Lines

Another valuable takeaway from the book is the importance of strong opening lines. The first line of a story sets the tone and grabs the reader's attention, making it crucial to make it compelling and intriguing. A strong opening line can hook the reader and make them eager to continue reading.

The book suggests avoiding generic or cliché opening lines and instead opting for something unique and attention-grabbing. This could be a thought-provoking statement, a vivid description, or an intriguing question. By crafting a strong opening line, writers can immediately captivate their readers and set the stage for an engaging story.

7. Use Dialogue to Reveal Character

The book also highlights the power of using dialogue to reveal character. Dialogue can provide insights into a character's personality, beliefs, and motivations. By paying attention to how characters speak and what they say, writers can create more well-rounded and believable characters.

For example, a character who speaks in short, abrupt sentences may come across as direct and no-nonsense, while a character who speaks in long, flowery sentences may be seen as more poetic or verbose. By using dialogue to reveal character, writers can create more authentic and relatable characters that resonate with readers.

8. Edit for Consistency

The book emphasizes the importance of editing for consistency. Consistency in writing refers to maintaining a uniform style, tone, and voice throughout the entire piece. Inconsistencies can be jarring for the reader and disrupt the flow of the story.

By carefully reviewing the writing for inconsistencies in language, tone, and character behavior, writers can ensure a cohesive and polished final product. This includes checking for consistency in character names, settings, and plot details. By editing for consistency, writers can create a more professional and seamless reading experience.