5 read-throughs to counteract your inherent biases and polish your masterpiece

Well, hello there, brave scribes of storyland! Let’s dive headfirst into the wonderful, albeit slightly murky, waters of self-editing.

No matter how seasoned or novice, every writer carries inherent biases that can slip into their work faster than a greased whippet. These biases can subtly shape your narrative, colour your characters, and even influence your story’s overall tone. But fear not, dear wordsmiths – through the power of focused read-throughs and revisions, we can confront these sneaky little biases and show them the door.

Understanding your biases

Inherent biases, those cheeky blighters, are unconscious views or prejudices that we all harbour. They’re like the storytelling equivalent of a bad penny – always turning up when you least expect them. They can affect the authenticity of your characters, the credibility of your plot, and the relatability of your narrative.

First read-through: The bias blind spot

First up on our editing agenda is tackling the ‘bias blind spot’. This is the habit of seeing oneself as less biased than other people. It’s like wearing rose-tinted glasses when reading your own work – everything just looks so darn perfect!

During your first read-through, try to adopt an outsider’s perspective. Be critical. Ask yourself, ‘Would I let this slide if I were reading someone else’s work?’ If the answer is no, you know what to do. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies, overused phrases, or even those beloved scenes that don’t entirely move the plot along.

Second read-through: Overcoming confirmation bias

Next on the bias-busting list is ‘confirmation bias’. This is the tendency to favour information that confirms your existing beliefs or values. In writing, this might manifest as characters who always act according to your personal moral compass, or plots that invariably align with your worldview.

During your second read-through, challenge your characters and scenarios. Are your characters’ actions and decisions diverse and authentic, or are they mirroring your own? Could a plot twist shatter some of your inherent beliefs, making the story more exciting and less predictable?

Third read-through: Tackling the curse of knowledge

Our third culprit, the ‘curse of knowledge’, is a bias where you assume your readers are on the same page as you – literally and figuratively. You know your story’s world inside out, but your readers don’t.

In your third read-through, check for clarity and comprehension. Are there any insider references that need more explanation? Have you inadvertently left gaps in the narrative because you assumed the reader would fill them in? Remember, your reader can’t peek inside your head. Not yet, at least.

Fourth read-through: Countering the halo effect

The ‘halo effect’ is up next. This bias can lead to characters being unfairly favoured (or disfavoured) based on a single trait. It’s like making your characters wear white hats or black hats, with no shades of grey in between.

In your fourth read-through, ensure your characters are well-rounded. Check that your protagonists have flaws and your antagonists have redeeming qualities. Real people are complex – and the best fictional characters should be too.

Fifth read-through: Facing the stereotyping bias

Finally, we confront ‘stereotyping bias’. This is the tendency to categorise characters or situations based on clichés or stereotypes. While it can be a handy shortcut, it can also lead to lazy writing and two-dimensional characters.

In your fifth read-through, scrutinise your characters and their interactions. Are you relying on stereotypes or clichés? Could your characters be more unique or break free from traditional roles? Remember, variety is the spice of life – and fiction.

The power of self-editing

And there we have it, folks – five read-throughs to help you counteract those sneaky inherent biases and polish your narrative until it shines brighter than a supernova at a disco. Through understanding and addressing these biases, you can elevate your writing, creating richer, more engaging stories that truly resonate with readers.

So, embrace the self-editing process. Don’t think of it as a chore but as an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve as a writer. Remember, the pen – or keyboard – is mightier than the bias!

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