A five-pass self-editing workflow

Structure first, sentences last, using the right tool at each pass.

Steps

1. Pass 1, structure: scene goals, conflict and outcome for every scene (Fictionary or a spreadsheet).
2. Pass 2, continuity: run the continuity check guide.
3. Pass 3, line edits: ProWritingAid or AutoCrit reports, a few at a time.
4. Pass 4, listen: have text-to-speech read it aloud to catch clunky rhythm.
5. Pass 5, proofread: grammar checker, then a human proofreader if budget allows.

Copy-ready prompts

List every sentence in this passage that starts with the same word as the previous sentence, and every word used more than 3 times. Don't fix them.

Tools for this workflow

• Fictionary: Self-editing structure: scenes, pacing and plot arcs before line edits.
• ProWritingAid: Line-level self-editing passes on a full manuscript before beta readers.
• AutoCrit: Genre-aware self-editing reports.
• Hemingway Editor: Tightening blurbs, ad copy and action scenes.
• Grammarly: Catching typos in emails, newsletters, blurbs and marketing copy.
• ElevenLabs: Hearing your draft read aloud and audio samples.

AI output can be wrong. Check facts and keep final prose in your own voice. See using AI responsibly.