Overview: Filler words are words or phrases that do not add value to your story. They can make sentences feel bloated and slow down the pacing of your narrative. When self-editing, it’s important to remove these unnecessary words to ensure your manuscript is concise and clear. By cutting out filler words, you’ll streamline your story while preserving its meaning and tone.
Why Removing Filler Words Matters
In picture books, every word counts. With limited space and a young audience, it’s essential to keep your language as concise as possible. Filler words can clutter your sentences and distract from the story’s core message. By eliminating these unnecessary words, you’ll create a cleaner, more engaging story that flows smoothly and keeps readers interested.
Key Considerations When Self-Editing for Filler Words
1. Have You Cut Out Unnecessary Words?
Filler words often include phrases like “just,” “very,” “really,” and “a little.” These words don’t typically add much to the meaning of a sentence, and removing them can make your writing more direct and impactful.
- Identify and remove filler words that don’t add value to the sentence.
- Ensure each word contributes to the overall meaning of the story.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I used any words or phrases that don’t add to the story’s meaning?
- Can I remove certain words without losing the impact of the sentence?
2. Is the Text Concise Without Losing Meaning or Tone?
While it’s important to cut out unnecessary words, you also need to maintain the meaning and tone of your story. Self-editing for filler words is about finding the balance between being concise and preserving the emotion, humor, or pacing of your narrative.
- Ensure the text remains concise, but doesn’t lose its meaning or emotional tone.
- Keep your sentences direct, while retaining the story’s voice and flow.
Questions to Ask:
- Is my text as concise as possible without sacrificing meaning or tone?
- Have I balanced brevity with the overall flow of the story?
3. Have You Streamlined Dialogue?
Filler words can often sneak into dialogue, making it feel less natural. While some filler words may be necessary for character voice, too many can weigh down the dialogue and make it sound repetitive or redundant.
- Check for filler words in dialogue, removing any that don’t serve a purpose.
- Keep dialogue sharp and natural, cutting any unnecessary phrases.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the dialogue feel natural, or have filler words crept in?
- Can I simplify the dialogue without losing the character’s voice?
How to Self-Edit for Filler Words
Step 1: Identify Filler Words
Read through your manuscript and highlight any filler words or phrases that don’t add to the story. Common filler words include “just,” “really,” “very,” “a little,” and “kind of.” If the sentence still makes sense without them, consider removing them.
Step 2: Simplify Sentences
After identifying filler words, focus on simplifying your sentences. Rewrite any sections that feel too wordy, while ensuring the meaning and tone of the story are maintained. Look for ways to make each sentence more concise and direct.
Step 3: Check Dialogue for Unnecessary Phrases
Review the dialogue in your manuscript, looking for any filler words or redundant phrases. Cut out any unnecessary words that don’t contribute to the flow of the conversation, and make sure the dialogue feels sharp and natural.
Step 4: Read Aloud for Conciseness
Reading your manuscript aloud can help you catch filler words and redundant phrases that slow down the pacing. As you read, pay attention to any sections that feel overly wordy or repetitive, and adjust them to improve clarity.
Self-editing for filler words ensures that your manuscript remains concise and clear. By cutting out unnecessary words and phrases, and simplifying sentences without losing meaning or tone, you’ll create a story that flows smoothly and keeps your readers engaged. Remember that every word should contribute to the story’s message and impact.
