I recently enjoyed some fall days on a trip to Yellowstone National Park for a workshop called Decoding the Language of Nature. Taught by expert naturalists and animal trackers Jon Young and George Bumann, it was an incredible experience—learning about, watching, and listening to wolves, coyotes, bison, pronghorn, birds, and other wild creatures all participating in a continuous flow of intricate communication. Spending time honing my eyes and ears to begin listening in reminded me of how small details shape the bigger picture—something that’s just as true for books as it is for the natural world.
After returning from this remarkable experience, I’ve been diving back into book design and working with self-publishing authors to help them bring their manuscripts to life. A recent conversation with one of my clients about the importance of proofreading sparked the idea for this blog post. I thought it might be helpful to share some essential tips for authors looking to refine their own work before publishing.
While hiring a professional proofreader is always the ideal choice for a polished final product, some authors prefer to tackle the proofreading process themselves. If that’s you, here are a few crucial tips to help catch those pesky errors and ensure your manuscript is ready for readers.
5 Proofreading Tips for Self-Publishing Authors
Practical Steps to Help You Polish Your Own Manuscript
- Take a Break
Setting your manuscript aside for a day or two before you begin proofreading is one of the most effective ways to gain fresh outlook. Coming back to your work with rested eyes allows you to spot issues you might otherwise miss. This step can make all the difference when it comes to catching errors in your own writing. - Print it Out
Reading on paper offers a new perspective. Errors, inconsistencies, and awkward formatting are often easier to catch when you’re looking at a physical page instead of a screen. Printing out your manuscript also allows you to make notes and corrections directly on the paper, which can streamline your editing process. - Use a Checklist
Proofreading without a plan can make it easy to overlook small but significant details. Create a checklist that covers common issues, such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as well as elements specific to your manuscript, like character name consistency or formatting. This ensures a thorough review and helps produce a more professional final product. - Read Backwards
One helpful trick for catching typos and other small errors is to read your manuscript backwards. By isolating each word, you force yourself to slow down and focus on individual elements, which makes it easier to spot mistakes. This technique helps you catch spelling errors and misplaced words that might be missed when reading normally. - Eliminate Distractions
Proofreading requires your full attention, so be sure to find a quiet space where you can focus. Minimizing distractions—whether it’s turning off notifications, setting aside dedicated time, or finding a quiet environment—will help you catch subtle errors and polish your manuscript effectively.
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Download all 10 Tips
These 5 tips will help you begin to refine your manuscript.
But there’s more to consider if you’re committed to a truly polished final draft!
To access all 10 of my proofreading tips to help you through the process, you can download the full resource here by signing up for my newsletter.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve perfected your manuscript, you’ll still have other steps to consider on your self-publishing journey, from cover and interior design to help navigating print-on-demand options and beyond. If you’d like help with any aspect of your book’s design or have questions about the self-publishing process, feel free to reach out. I work with self-publishing authors to bring their vision to life and help make the journey smoother.
Final Thoughts
Creating a professional-looking book takes attention to detail, but you don’t have to do it alone. By following these proofreading tips and signing up for my newsletter, you’ll gain access to even more resources to support you on your self-publishing journey. Together, we’ll make sure your book is ready to connect with readers around the world.
Help for Independent Presses
Book Design & Production
Have you written a nonfiction or fiction manuscript? After it has been professionally edited, I can design the interior pages and cover, plus guide you through the maze of book publishing and printing. To get started, contact me to discuss your project and my helpful guide for authors.
Personalized Cover Design: Your book's genre, target audience, and core message guide my design strategy. I delve into the specifics, from genre norms to the subtleties that make your book unique, crafting a cover that not only captivates but also communicates.
Collaborative Process: Your vision is paramount. Through regular updates and open communication, I ensure that the design aligns with your expectations, incorporating your feedback and providing revisions to perfect your cover and interior layout.