Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

[Tarin]

How many of you have read Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King?

I'm almost finished re-reading it, and I think I appreciated it almost as much this time around as I did the first time. This is one of the handful of books that prompted a turning point in my writing, years ago. The authors nail pretty much all the basics in a clear, straight-forward manner, but still leave room for bending the rules when necessary. I don't agree with everything in the book, but the vast majority of the info is invaluable. I highly recommend it to those of you may not yet have read it.

[Tamera]

This is quite frankly the best book on writing I have ever read. It literally helped me become a better writer. I was guilty of many of the mistakes the book mentioned. It showed how to correct these errors in such a clear manner that I was left scratching my head wondering, "Of course. I see it now. Why didn't I see that before."

I give this book 10 stars.

[righter1]

I've been poking at this book for about 6 weeks, since another CW member recommended it highly. I haven't quite finished it, but have appreciated it tremendously. Another, similar title that I'd also recommend is 'Don't Murder Your Mystery' by Reardon (not sure of first name off hand.) Both have helped me see things I've done in my own writing that may be good, but may not sell it to an agent.

[Alice]

I need to re-read this soon. :)

[Gravity]

Yowza. The book is great!

[paulchernoch]

I need to reread this book. It was one of the first books on writing I read, and an excellent one at that. Now if I could only remember where I put it...

- Paul

[Cymrugirl]

Amazon.com reviewers have written some very interesting reviews on this title. Both yea and nay.

[Ransom v. Unman]

I haven't read the book, but I own it, and the advice people have given me from the book has all been strong and beneficial. I look forward to taking it in for what it's worth, but a lot of what I've seen from looking over it just seems like basic, common sense sort of writing tips.

Anyway, it's next after I finish Eldaterra.

[Tarin]

a lot of what I've seen from looking over it just seems like basic, common sense sort of writing tips.

Essentially, that's exactly what it is. But, for the most part, the authors hit the nail solidly on the head with every point they make. If you already know what you're doing, then it's basically just a good reminder course.

[Ransom v. Unman]

Essentially, that's exactly what it is. But, for the most part, the authors hit the nail solidly on the head with every point they make. If you already know what you're doing, then it's basically just a good reminder course.

Then I guess this is where I find out if I know what I'm doing... :p

[Naomi Musch]

This is probably my most "marked-up" book on writing. I was inspired to pull my dusty old copy off the shelf when I saw this thread. I think it's time for a re-read, even if it's just re-reading all the underlined and highlighted sections.

[michaelsnyder]

Self Editing is a fantastic book and my copy is all marked up as well.

Just in case you haven't seen these, I'm adding my three current faves to the list:

The Modern Library Writer's Workshop by Stephen Koch - This might be my very favorite ever. And don't be fooled by what, at first, seems like a literary slant. Koch does a masterful job of getting the writer to aim high, but he's no lit snob either.

(Novelist's Essential Guide to) Crafting Scenes by Raymond Obstfeld - Wow! What a find. If this one's not the 'best', it's definitely the most useful. Can't say enough good things about this one...and it's short too.

Hooked (Grab Readers At Page One) by Les Edgerton. This one is the most fun! The book cover is worth the price. But the info inside is dynamite.

Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card. This (along with Obstfeld) is my editor's favorite. So I pretty much have to mention that one! Can't go wrong here either.

And a blast from the past...On Becoming A Novelist by John Gardner. This one definitely does have a 'literary' slant. But no matter your genre, I would still put this on my required reading list.

And of course, you can't go wrong with King, Maas, Stein, Lamott, and many many more.

Mike

[TamaraRH]

No, I haven't read it but thanks for the recommendation.:)

Tami

[GentleJourneyAu]

I will check out the marketplace section on Amazon for a good used copy. Thanks for the recommendation. Elaine

[righter1]

I will check out the marketplace section on Amazon for a good used copy. Thanks for the recommendation. Elaine

It's not out of print, and it seems when I picked up my copy, it was like $12 or $14... Well worth it, whatever you pay, though!