I've never tried taking my manuscript to a coffee shop for that first read through. That might be a really helpful thing to do. Thanks for sharing Diana!

I discovered the best way to start editing a book is to take the manuscript out of the house and go to a coffee shop or a restaurant where I can sit for an hour and edit without any interference, doing just as you say: highlighting or marking, but not changing. Once I'm in the story, any noise just fades away. Or, I could listen to a playlist but lower than normal so that it becomes white noise.

I'm always amazed at how much I get read in that space of time. After that, I can edit in smaller chunks of time.

You're welcome, Denise. Thank you for reading.

I'm glad to share tips that might help the process of self-editing. Good luck with your revisions!

Currently, I'm doing version number bazillion of The Hobo Code.

I had to set it aside for a long while before looking it over again. I'm finding all kinds of verbs that need changing, and there are far too many eyebrows doing this, that, and the other thing.

Plus, I needed to up the ante by making scenes scarier.

Super suggestions, Lynette, thank you!

You're welcome, Jackie. You are so right...not just the editing (which is pretty darn important), but being organized so you get it done in a way that pleases the reader and you.

Many of us are at that stage this time of year. All the best for your editing journey!