Let's Talk Editing — The Real Magic Behind a Polished Book

Writing is the heartbeat of any story, but editing? That's where the soul of the manuscript really shines. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned storyteller, the editing process can feel like wandering through a maze with no clear exit. But don't sweat it — we've got you.

We sat down with the editorial team at Bluemount Publisher to collect their most trusted editing tips — the kind you won't find in most writing handbooks. These aren't just grammar rules or generic advice. These are battle-tested, experience-driven nuggets of wisdom that help turn rough drafts into page-turners.

So grab your manuscript (and maybe some coffee), and let's get editing like a pro.

1. Step Away Before You Slice

One of the most underrated editing moves? Taking a break. Seriously.

After finishing a draft, your brain is still too close to the words to see them clearly. Give yourself a few days — or even a week — before diving back in. When you return, you'll spot awkward phrasing, repetitive ideas, and pacing issues that were invisible before.

“Distance creates clarity,” says one Bluemount editor. “We've seen entire story arcs improve just because the writer took a breather.”

2. Read It Out Loud (Yes, All of It)

This tip might sound simple, but it's powerful.

Reading aloud forces your brain to slow down and process every word. You'll catch run-on sentences, weird syntax, clunky dialogue, and inconsistencies faster than when you silently skim. Plus, if a sentence trips you up when spoken, odds are it'll trip up your reader too.

If you're shy about hearing your own voice, try using text-to-speech tools — your computer can be your editing assistant!

3. Trim the Fat, Keep the Flavor

We all love our words. But the truth? Not every sentence deserves to stay.

One of Bluemount Publisher's favorite mantras: “Every word must earn its place.” That means cutting redundant adjectives, unnecessary dialogue tags, filler phrases like “just,” “very,” “really,” or “kind of,” and anything that doesn't move the story forward.

Think of editing like cooking — the best dishes are seasoned just right. Too many ingredients, and the flavor gets lost.

4. Watch for “Crutch Words”

Most writers have words or phrases they lean on without even realizing it. Maybe you use “actually” or “literally” five times a page. Or maybe every character “nods” or “sighs” the same way.

Find those crutches and break them. Use your word processor's search function to spot how often certain words appear. When you notice patterns, swap them out with fresh, varied language — or remove them altogether.

Bluemount's editors recommend keeping a list of your personal crutches and checking it during each revision round. It's like editing with a mirror.

5. Start Strong, End Stronger

Your opening line is your handshake with the reader. Your closing is your lasting impression. They both need to hit.

A good opening doesn't just begin the story — it pulls the reader in with a hook, a mood, or a mystery. And a great ending doesn't just stop the story — it ties it up in a satisfying (or intentionally unresolved) bow that resonates.

“If your beginning and ending are solid, most readers will forgive a few slow pages in between,” shares a Bluemount team lead.

6. Cut the Scene, Not the Emotion

Sometimes the hardest part of editing is realizing that an entire scene just doesn't work. Maybe it's beautifully written but derails the plot. Maybe it repeats what's already been said. Maybe it was fun to write but adds no value.

Here's the trick: Cut the scene, but save the emotion.

Extract the feeling or insight you wanted that scene to convey — and find a new, better place for it. Nothing needs to be wasted.

Many writers create a “deleted scenes” document to store cut content. Think of it like a writer's treasure chest — it keeps you from feeling like you're throwing your work away.

7. Dialogue Deserves Drama

Great dialogue isn't about realism — it's about rhythm and purpose.

People in real life ramble, repeat themselves, and say “uh” a lot. That doesn't mean your characters should. Make dialogue snappy, specific, and full of intent. Every line should either reveal something about a character or push the plot forward.

Also? Watch those dialogue tags. You don't need “he exclaimed nervously” if the sentence already shows it. Often, “he said” or “she replied” does the job just fine.

8. Use Style Sheets to Stay Consistent

Whether you're self-editing or preparing to hand your manuscript to a professional editor, style sheets are gold.

They're simple documents where you keep track of names, spellings, timelines, character traits, and world-building details. Did your villain have green eyes in Chapter 2 and gray eyes in Chapter 12? A style sheet will catch that.

“Consistency builds trust with the reader,” the Bluemount editor explains. “Inconsistency pulls them out of the story.”

9. Don't Edit Alone

Editing in isolation is a fast track to tunnel vision. At some point, you'll stop being able to see what's working and what's not — even if you think you're catching everything.

That's why even professional editors have editors.

Get fresh eyes on your work. Beta readers, critique partners, or editorial consultants can give feedback that surprises you in the best way. And when you're ready, hand it off to a seasoned editor who can polish it to perfection.

10. Trust the Process

Editing is messy. One day you'll love your book, the next you'll wonder why you ever started. That's normal.

Give yourself grace. Celebrate small wins. And remember: no great book ever skipped the editing phase. The best stories are made in the rewrites.

“Books aren't written — they're rewritten,” says one of Bluemount Publisher's senior editors. “That’s where the magic lives.”

Bluemount Publisher Knows the Power of Editing

If there's one thing the team at Bluemount Publisher understands deeply, it's that editing is more than correction — it's refinement. With years of experience guiding authors from rough drafts to bookstore-ready masterpieces, their editorial process balances structure with creativity, grammar with soul.

Whether you're writing a debut novel, a memoir, or the next big fantasy epic, the editing stage is where your voice becomes its sharpest, most compelling self.

You've got the words. Now, make them shine.

Ready to take your editing to the next level? Maybe all you need is a little space, a pair of fresh eyes, and the kind of insider tricks you just learned from the team that lives and breathes books — every single day.