I know we're not up editing yet in our Book in a Year project, but I wanted to let you know something so you could be adding to it as you write.

All writers need a self-editing checklist. Apart from the obvious things that need to be looked for, each writer has his/her own set of distinctive problems that need to be corrected. Early in my career I realised I was mixing up how to use "that" & "which". I also tend to put an apostrophe in "it's" whether it needs one or not, so I need to check every its to see if it needs the apostrophe. Then there's the word 'just' which I still seem to want to put in every second sentence. These are some of my own personal foibles, and you will discover that you have your own as well.

So, while you're writing, if you find you have a pet word that you 'just' know you're going to have to go back and thin out later on, add it to your editing checklist now.

It will save you heaps of time at the editing end, I promise.

Thanks Louise,I have a few!!!!!hehhe!

Great idea!
I have a few definite things to keep my eye on and by keeping these in mind I can edit them out either as I notice them or after the first draft is written.

deb

I have received a sample of a software avaiable which edits the spelling, grammar, typos etc of your work. Its called Stylewriter. I hope it will be in my price range...
I'll let you know how the sample runs!

Timna, do let us know how Stylewriter turns out. I've seen a couple of grammar programs that I've been unable to recommend because they homogenised the text so much the writer's individual 'voice' disappeared completely. It would be great to see one that doesn't do that. So please let us know how you go with it.