Writing is hard, but editing is just as hard and time consuming. Expect to read through your manuscript multiple times looking for different problems with each pass. When you can't stand to read it again, you're almost there. Here's what to look for:

Commas

If "but, and, or, nor, so" follow the comma, leave it alone. If the comma separates items in a series, don't touch it. Does it set off parenthetical expressions? That works. Are the commas used in a standard way for dialogue? No problem. All other commas need to be studied carefully. Have you inserted a comma when you should use a colon, semi-colon, an em-dash, or parentheses? Have you tied two sentences together incorrectly with a comma? Circle any commas you need to study so you can come back to them.

Re-order sentences and words

Are adverbs and adjectives near the words they modify? The most important words belong at the end of sentences and the most important sentences at the end of paragraphs. If you give away the most important bits of information up front, what will encourage the reader to read on?

Banish the words you love most

You know those words. They are cute or clever or a wonderful, unique metaphor, and you love them all dearly. If they will stand out and stop the reader, send them off to play another day. Some writers make a file for expunged sentences or paragraphs so they might use them another place.

Kill the bumps and rhythm

Mark up your manuscript with accent marks. Have you got a singsong rhythm going? The reader will notice. Do you see too many heavily accented syllables? Smooth out those bumps. Read it again to hear only smooth writing.

Synonyms

Check a Thesaurus to make sure you haven't used a $1.50 word when a 50 cent one will work. Examine your verbs to ensure you've chosen the most expressive ones. Don't choose a verb-adverb combination when one good verb will do.

Figurative Language

Metaphors and similes work best when they do their job of comparing quietly; they should not stand out or shout at the reader. Complex comparisons cause the reader to stop and ruminate, so keep them simple and accurate. Is your metaphor too broad or your simile too flashy? Be wary of comparing a sky to cottage cheese in one place and buttermilk in another. Your reader will notice.

Check the dictionary

Check for words on the periphery of your vocabulary. Are you sure you have the correct definition? Have you used it correctly? Is it spelled correctly? Here's a trick. Put the suspicious word into Google, and read several entries that pop up. The type is bigger, and you can see if you've used the word correctly without searching.

Be positive

Use "not" for special emphasis, but most of the time, it's better to state things in the positive. Use Find in your word processing program to locate "not," and rewrite the sentences with a positive cast.

Active verbs

"To be" verbs are boring and better revised if possible. Use Find to locate "is, am, are, was, were, been, being," and examine the sentences to see if a more active verb can be put in its place. If one of the above is followed by a main verb ending in "-ed," see if it can be revised by loosing the helper verb. "There is" and "there are" are also less effective. Eliminate as many as possible.

That

About 80% of all uses of "that" can be eliminated without changing the sentence any more than that.

Read out loud

People are not required for this exercise. Read to your cat or to the wall, and catch those awkward phrases and overused words.

Spelling/grammar check

After you've done all of the above, run the spelling and grammar check. The spell check won't catch homonyms, so you're on your own there, but let the grammar check alert you to passive voice (can you add "by who or whom after the verb?") or suspect usages. The grammar check can only make you aware of POSSIBLE problems. Be sure you understand what the grammar check suggests, and make your OWN decision about a change.

Secrets to writing tight

See how many words you can eliminate in your first pass. Try hard to get rid of adjective/noun combinations by selecting a better noun: from the lake to the multi-lane interstate highway--from the lake to the freeway

Look for a string of prepositional phrases. Can you eliminate one phrase or make it an adjective: skipped along the sidewalk down the block to the corner--skipped to the corner.

Try to shorten each paragraph by one line or a picture book paragraph by one word. Make it a game. If the paragraph ends in a short line, the job is easier than if the last line goes margin to margin. Choose shorter words or eliminate an adjective or two. When the text moves up, you've won.

Are you completely sick of your manuscript? Good. You've now edited it to your best ability. The next step is to find a reader you trust to give it the final scan. Just think! You're almost done.