Edit Your Novel Faster: 10 time-saving tips for fiction writers
- Fiction Yogi
- May 20
- 8 min read
In this article we'll consider:
Multi-pass editing
Reverse outlines
Editing sprints
"Do not fix yet" lists
Listening to your novel
Editing checklists
Colour-coding revisions
Editing software
Your novel on paper
Honing feedback
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Let’s be honest: editing can feel like trudging through quicksand while carrying a heavy pack on your back. You’ve poured all your creative energy into drafting your novel, only to find yourself neck-deep in revisions that never seem to end. But here's the good news—editing doesn’t have to be a soul-sucking marathon. With the right approach, you can speed up the process without sacrificing on quality.
Using a system that's practical and efficient, you can progressively move your novel closer to its published state, rather than going around in circles until you lose your way.
So let's take a look at some time-saving editing strategies that will help you work smarter, not longer. By the way, it's not necessary to incorporate them all; you may find some suit you more than others.
1. Divide and conquer: use multi-pass editing
Attempting to fix everything at once is like trying to repair a car while it's speeding down the highway. Instead, break your editing into focused passes that target specific areas.
It's important to start with the largest elements, then work your way down. There's no point fretting over punctuation if later you need to cut entire paragraphs or scenes.
An example of a multi-pass system might be:
Pass 1 – Structure: Here you're looking at your novel's foundations—plot, subplots, story arcs, setting, themes. Ask: Does the story make sense? Is it continually moving forward? Are all threads completed by the end of the book? Is it compelling enough? Is the story's world believable and immersive? Does it have a central point, i.e. theme?
Pass 2 – Character, dialogue, point of view: Characters make or break your story, so it's vital to spend time getting them right. Ask: Are your characters complex enough—their traits, their flaws, their goals, their issues? What impact do your characters have on the story, and how does the story impact them? Is each character's voice individual to them? Are your physical descriptions consistent throughout?
Pass 3 – Style and tone: With a solid structure in place, and strong, vivid characters, the next round of editing pays close attention to language, style, tone, atmosphere. Ask: Is the atmosphere effectively conveyed in each scene? Could it be emphasized with stronger or more original word choice? Are language and style consistent with the story's genre, and does it remain consistent from beginning to end?
Pass 4 – Grammar and spelling: Now that the main elements of the story have been reworked, it's time for the nitty-gritty pass. Ask: Are your spellings correct and consistent; so too your numerical formatting (e.g. written numbers or numerals)? Have you used punctuation marks correctly and consistently? If you've "played with the rules" of grammar or spelling, is it clear why you've done so?
Why it works: Even though it may seem like a lot of work, you're not simply throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. You're making tangible progress with each editing layer, moving steadily forward without needing to backtrack on what you've already done, and you're reducing overwhelm and saving time in the long run.
2. Use a reverse outline
Before diving in to those first big-picture, structural edits, create a chapter-by-chapter summary of your draft as it exists now. Include key events, emotional beats (i.e. where your characters are at emotionally in each scene/chapter), and turning points.
Record this information in whatever format suits you, e.g. spreadsheet, Word document, or pen and paper. Spreadsheets in particular can be useful for allowing you to see everything at a glance.
Why it works: A reverse outline acts as a bird’s-eye view, making it easier to spot structural gaps, sagging middles, or subplots that don't complete. Additionally, you don't have to limit this exercise to the structural elements only; if you want, add details about the timeline, your characters, the tone of each scene/chapter—whatever works for you.
It's hard to hold all the pieces of your novel in your head—jotting down the essentials in this way can help you see things you might otherwise have missed.
3. Set limits (AKA editing sprints)
It's possible to while away too many hours dithering over a sentence or switching punctuation around. It's a lot of hard work, but that doesn't always equate to time and effort well spent.
Editing sprints can be a good way to avoid spreading your attention too thinly across the enormity of the job, and instead sharpen your focus on the specific task at hand. For this, use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break), or set a timer and commit to editing one scene or tackling one problem before the time is up. No distractions. No rabbit holes. No worrying about the other issues you haven't got to yet.
Why it works: Time-boxing your effort forces focus and prevents the "just one more pass" or "just one more hour" syndrome that can bloat your editing phase and, frankly, drive you to tears and sleepless nights.
4. Create a "Do not fix yet" list
When you spot something minor (e.g. a clunky sentence or a naming inconsistency) while focusing on the structural elements, avoid the compulsion to fix it immediately. Instead, jot it down in a separate document or margin note, to correct when you're working on the next pass.
It might seem like a minor distraction and a quick fix—but when you add up all the other minor distractions you're likely to encounter, you might find you've spent more of your allocated hour copyediting or proofreading, for example, than tackling the structural issues as intended.
And remember, until you've completed the structural pass, there's still a chance some scenes may be cut or whole chapters rewritten. So it's important to concentrate on the current pass, and bookmark other issues or inconsistencies for later.
Why it works: Keeps you on track, prevents distraction, and also prevents doing work that may later be deleted or changed.
5. Read aloud or use text-to-speech tools
Apps like NaturalReader or built-in tools in your writing software can read your story back to you. Alternatively, read your story aloud; or perhaps you have a trusted, patient friend or family member who could read it to you. Currently, human is still better than machine when it comes to fiction, as only humans can pick up on the unspoken nuances in your storytelling.
Why it works: Hearing your prose highlights awkward phrasing, unnatural dialogue, and repetitive sentence patterns that your eyes (and certainly your brain) may have glossed over.
6. Use editing checklists
Editing checklists are a great way to focus your attention on individual tasks, so that you don't become overwhelmed, lose your way, or lose motivation. The checklist could depict the editing passes you'll carry out, as we mentioned above; or it could be on a more granular level for each task/pass.
If you already know what some of your common repeat offences are, it's a good idea to make or download an editing checklist based on those so you can catch them during the relevant editing pass. E.g. weak dialogue, overuse of adverbs, passive voice, filler words like just, really, looked, felt.
NOTE: Download or print Fiction Yogi's Self-Editing Checklist for a macro-level structural and copyediting checklist.
Why it works: Prevents re-inventing the wheel each time and accelerates the self-editing phase with targeted focus.
7. Colour-code your revisions
As an editor, this is something I've done on manuscripts requiring work on different levels—and that is, highlight the manuscript according to the issue: e.g. yellow for POV issues, blue for sentences that could be stronger, green for plot inconsistencies, etc.
This would be done on a read-through prior to the editing pass, and is one way to evaluate the extent of the work that needs doing before you begin. Once you've gone through the entire manuscript, you may even feel differently about the corrections when you come to edit—but either way, you'll be able to move more efficiently through the editing pass.
Why it works: Visual markers let you spot recurring problems quickly and address them systematically.
8. Let software help (but don’t depend on it)
If it benefits you, use writing and editing software tools such as ProWritingAid, Grammarly, etc. They can be an excellent way to catch issues you may have missed, particularly at the micro-level. Be wary, though, that fiction writing is nuanced, such as its use of subtext or deliberate bending of the "rules", and software apps generally don't comprehend nuance.
If the software works for you at a particular level or for certain tasks, it will save you a lot of time. Just bear in mind it's unlikely to fix, or even spot, all your narrative's issues or inconsistencies.
Why it works: These tools can accelerate the technical parts of editing, letting you focus on the more creative elements.
9. Print it out
Many writers swear by printing out a full draft for editing. Myself included! You're only likely to print the entire manuscript once, so choose the editing pass that makes sense for you. This could be the first, crucial structural pass, or it could be (as for me) the final read after all the editing passes are complete (and yes, of course, I still find things to tweak even on this final pass).
If it suits you, print with wide margins to leave notes; or compress the text to save paper. As I work with authors as well as writing my own fiction, I reuse manuscripts printed on fresh paper by flipping them over and printing the next manuscript on the other side; after which the paper is shredded and recycled.
Why it works: Reading on paper reduces digital fatigue and gives you a fresh lens—ideal for spotting issues you’ve become blind to. This also works when reading on different devices, such as a phone or tablet rather than the PC or laptop screen. I don't know why or how it makes a difference—it just does!
10. Honing beta reader feedback
If you’re using beta readers, look for similar reactions across the board. Feedback is always subjective, of course—so be careful not to act based on a knee-jerk reaction. Consider what's being said and whether you agree with it or not. If several readers point out the same issue, then they may be on to something.
Additionally, you may want to standardize their feedback by asking them to focus on 3–5 core areas, e.g. plot progression, character strength and consistency, pacing, believability, etc.
Why it works: Cuts down on vague or scattered feedback, and saves you hours trying to decipher what “something feels off here” actually refers to!
BONUS: Know when to shove it in a drawer (temporarily)
Set your manuscript aside between editing passes—even if it's just for 48 hours. This might feel frustrating, but its benefits are many, not least you get to stay sane.
Why it works: Fresh eyes equals faster, better decisions. You’ll spot what needs cutting without second-guessing every sentence. It's the closest you can get to reading your story like a reader will.
Finally...
When we talk about editing faster, the goal is efficiency, not rushing so we do a half-hearted job. Fast editing isn’t about carelessly pushing your novel out the door. It’s about eliminating redundancy, making smart passes, and editing with intent. Each round of revision should move your manuscript measurably closer to your vision.
Remember, editing your manuscript isn't the "boring bit that comes after writing"—editing is writing. Your work can't survive without it. Through the creative process of rewriting and tweaking, you develop your first ideas into a story readers won't be able to put down.
Got a favourite time-saving editing tip? Share it in the comments below! Writers helping writers makes the process lighter for all.
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Tina Williams of Fiction Yogi is a copyeditor and proofreader who works with writers at all stages, giving them the tools to improve their manuscript and level up their writing so they can meet their publishing goals.
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