Putting the Polish on Your Manuscript

One of the last things I do when editing is to search for cliched words or those that I frequently overuse. For example, in my most recent novel, I found 187 instances of “just,” too many “that’s,” and a lot of wondering.

So I do a search for each of the words from my list and try to replace them with something fresh. Sometimes it’s my Beta readers who kindly let me know I’ve had my protagonist clench her teeth or swallow a few too many times.

When I write I try to avoid telling instead of showing, but it creeps in. One way to reduce that is to search for what are called “conclusion” words. A man is handsome instead of 6’2” with curly brown hair and green eyes that sparked humor. A situation is hilarious. Show the reader a funny scene instead of making that conclusion for her.

Following is the list I use. Going through the list can take a while, but you’ll be surprised at what you find, and how much you can improve your document. 

EXAMPLES OF CONCLUSION WORDS

Handsome
Attractive
Momentous
Embarrassing
Fabulous
Powerful
Hilarious
Stupid
Fascinating

WORDS I OVERUSE

Actually
Bitter
But
Clench/Ed
Figured
Gasp
Gritted Her Teeth
Hobbled
I
It’s and Its
In A Level Tone/Voice
Knew, in all its forms
Once Again
Probably
Quiver, Shiver, Tremble
Realized
Scootch
Shoulders (tensed, tightened, Etc.)
Sigh
Simper
Smile
Smirk
Sneer
Strode
Swallowed
Tattered
Tears [poured down her face]
Too many thats
Took a breath
Trust
Weird
Wiggle, Wiggled
Wonder
Wondered, Wondering
Wriggle, Wriggled