Editing Tip #7: Redundancies Are Redundant
Redundancies can come in many forms, and sometimes, they even disguise themselves as quality writing within the pages of your book. But no matter how nice they sound, they can cover up weaknesses in your writing or annoy your readers because no likes being told the same thing over and over and over and over and…you get the point.
Here’s an example of one type of redundancy:
Martin looked at Steven and grinned mischievously. With Mrs. Moorehouse out of the classroom, they could finally try out their new prank.
Martin ran to the door and looked down the hall, making sure no teachers were around. With the coast clear, he looked over at their target: Ashley. Her back was to him. He grinned mischievously. It was the perfect setup.
When editing, watch out for the same words repeated across one paragraph or even one page (such as looked, grinned, and mischievously in this example). Using the same action words five times or “said” fifteen times are signals you need to get more creative with your word choices.
If the same verb or descriptive word is being used, find a different word that means the same thing or focus on a different detail. An angry woman can only furrow her brow so many times before the readers start rolling their eyes.
If you think you need to use “said” every time a character talks, that’s probably a sign that you need more action in the scene. Include more character action or observations in the conversation that can act in place of a dialogue tag.
Revised:
Martin cast Steven a subtle nod. With Mrs. Moorehouse out of the classroom, they could finally try out their new prank.
Martin ran to the door and peered down the hall, making sure no teachers were around. With the coast clear, he looked over at their target: Ashley. Her back was to him. Martin grinned. It was the perfect setup.
Other times, the redundancies are more hidden:
Lydia hurried after her mother as she weaved in and out of the crowded marketplace stalls. Lydia loved exploring the sellers’ wares, and the dresses were her favorite thing to admire. She longed to feel beautiful in one of those dresses, but her mother always told her that traditional fabrics were hard to clean and maintain. She said the traditional fabrics like cotton were very difficult. Cotton had to be imported from Asia and specially washed because their homemade cleaning processes didn’t work on traditional fabrics.
Did you catch it? In this example, the words are not repeated, but the information is. We are told traditional fabrics are difficult twice in two different ways.
“…but her mother always told her that traditional fabrics were hard to clean and maintain. She said the traditional fabrics like cotton were very difficult.”
This could stem from the nature of a first draft. Details like this will get missed in that first draft, as they should. Your focus is only to write during the drafting phase.
But this type of redundancy could also hide an underdeveloped plot, character, or setting. When you don’t know what happens next or what the setting looks like, it’s difficult to keep from repeating what you do know.
The solution? Delete the redundancies, and if needed, craft something new in its place to bring your plot, characters, and settings to life.
Revised:
Lydia hurried after her mother as she weaved in and out of the crowded marketplace stalls. Lydia loved exploring the sellers’ wares, and the dresses were her favorite thing to admire. She longed to feel beautiful in one of those dresses, but her mother always told her that traditional fabrics were hard to clean and maintain. Cotton had to be imported from Asia and specially washed because their homemade cleaning processes didn’t work.
More than likely, you will be able to find both types of redundancies in your writing, but that’s OK! That’s what the editing phase of this journey is for. And now that you know what to look for, you can incorporate this into your own novel.
Action Steps:
Look for both types of redundancies in your writing.
Delete them or replace them with creative, new ways that keep your readers engaged.
Would you like to get these editing tips sent straight to your inbox ever week along with member-only editing discounts, product previews, and more? Then join the Editor’s Lounge for free below!
