I Can’t Read My Own Writing

I really wanted to read my novel before starting on copy edits.

I just wanted to be able to make notes where my attention started to wane, so I’d know what might need heavy editing.

Slower Pace

When I read for fun, I typically read about a hundred pages an hour. I slow down with dense descriptions and war maneuvering, but for the most part, I read quickly. I blame being very plot driven, having an imagination that’s more conceptual than visual, and playing far too much with my grandmother’s “Learn to Speed Read” kit from the ’60s.

When I’m copy-editing my work, I can get through about ten pages an hour.

I thought that it couldn’t possibly take me more than six hours to read my own novel, but I was wrong. I’m not reading as slowly as copy editing, but twenty-five pages an hour is a quarter of my recreational reading pace.

Copious Notes

I’m not the sort of person who typically takes notes while reading recreationally. I’ve done a fair amount of copy-editing and critiquing of peer’s writing, though.

I absolutely cannot read my own work without making notes! Without saying “this part needs rewording” or “that part is awkward.”

Critical of My Own Work

I don’t know if I’m reading it differently or if I’m just being overly critical, but I’m seeing so many more issues with my writing trying to read it as a whole than I did when I was editing it a page at a time.

Clearly, the difference is I’m looking at it like a reader or a critique partner, rather than a writer trying to be done with this draft.

Finishing Reading

I’ve got 50 pages read, 253 to go, wish me luck! I’m hoping being this judgmental is exactly what my novel needs.

Can you read your own work? Do you find that the best way to find the flaws?