Formatting and editing your writing can be stressful, especially when you don’t know how to tackle your project. Luckily, the writing community loves to help one another. To give you some tips and resources, check out this TikTok roundup of some of the most helpful videos on formatting and editing your writing.
Formatting
If it’s your first time formatting your writing, or you’re simply looking for tips to help you format a self-published book, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at how other writers have utilized their programs to format their writing and how their tips can benefit you.
Google Documents
Google Docs has a lot of great resources for writers to utilize, especially if you’re using Google Workspace. Formatting can become easy when you’re familiar with all the tools they offer. @amandamaria.h has a writing tips series on her account that helps writers polish their work before submitting it to publishers.
@amandamaria.h Replying to @𝙰𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊 Formatting your book for self-publishing 💻 #selfpublishing #selfpublishedauthor #publishing #formatting #book #author #authorsoftiktok #writer #writertok #kdp #thegraceinruthlessfire #thegraceseries #booktok #fantasybooks #romancebooks #fantasybooktok #amandamariah #reading #fantasy #romantasy #firstnovel #wlw ♬ Aesthetic Vibes – sxldi
Word Documents
Word is also an excellent resource for your writing, especially if your writing is format-heavy. It has various formatting tools for complex projects that writers can utilize for their projects. Your format helps with how readers perceive your writing, and tools in Word can help bring your creativity to light. @devonatwoodwrites has a publishing help series that includes help with formatting on Word.
@devonatwoodwrites #cheapwriters #guide to #selfpublishing Let’s talk #bookformatting #printformatting #wordformatting #selfpublishedauthor #selfoublished #indieauthor ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Apple Pages
For those who utilize their Apple products, Apple Pages has resources to help you format your writing. Having your work all in one place can be the best way to keep track of everything, and Apple provides resources in Pages that can help writers prepare their work for publication. @authorlanavargas has an author advice series to help writers with their writing, publishing, and marketing questions.
@authorlanavargas your author big sis back with the advice vidoes ✨ #authorsoftiktok #writingabook #series #advice #publishingabook #writingadvice #writingtips #writingcommunity #writertok #bookish #indieauthor ♬ original sound – Lana Vargas
Vellum
Vellum helps you format your books and prepare them to become ebooks and paperbacks. With a one-time price, writers can utilize all their tools to make their pages look neat and prepare them for publication. @allisonspeka has a self-publishing series to help all writers looking to take on the publication process independently.
@allisonspeka Replying to @Allison Speka Author how i format my books #vellum #writertok #selfpublishing #bookformatting ♬ original sound – allisonspeka📚author
Editing
There is more to editing than just punctuation and grammar. To help you figure out which areas to pay attention to and the best methods for revisions, check out these TikTok videos that provide tips and resources for you to keep in mind.
Editing Process
All writers have a process to tackle their edits. By looking at how other authors go through their writing process, you may get inspired and figure out your best editing methods. @katiewuwrites has a writing tip series for writers who are looking for some advice. She has a thorough breakdown of how she tackles the editing process, which may help you as you break down your revisions.
@katiewuwrites Editing is both easy and TERRIBLE but hopefully this makes it less overwhelming 💀 #writertok #writingtips #bookediting #selfediting #writinghacks #authorsoftiktok #iwroteabook #aspiringauthor #publishing #writersoftiktok #editingyourbook #katiewuwrites #authortok ♬ original sound – Katie Wu
Developmental Edits
Developmental edits go past grammar and focus on content. This is where plotlines, scenes, settings, characters, and all the parts of storytelling are put under their own microscopes to be disputed and revised. @bookish_heartbreak is an author who offers a variety of advice to help them start writing and figure out the best ways to prepare for publishing.
@bookish_heartbreak Developmental edit done by @Ashley | Earley Editing, LLC ♡ #writertok #authorsoftiktok #indieauthor #indieauthorsoftiktok #writingabook #writer #author #newauthor #babyauthor #writersontiktok ♬ original sound – 📚⚔️Author Nicole Holland
Line and Proofread Edits
After developmental edits, line and proofread edits must be done to ensure everything in your writing looks clean. This may be the most specific edits you do as you look for the delicate details, but it will be the most rewarding once you see your published work finished. Found in her new author tips series, @bookish_heartbreak gives readers an inside look at the edits she was given and how she will look at them as an author.
@bookish_heartbreak My book Shadowbound releases Dec 5! Definitely check out Gina Denny and Ashley Earley for editing services #authortok #authorsoftiktok #writingabook #indieauthor #indieauthorsoftiktok #writertok #writersoftiktok #selfpublishedauthor #selfpublishing #writingabookcheck #fantasyauthor ♬ original sound – 📚⚔️Author Nicole Holland
Using Scrivener
Scrivener is a word-processing program for writers. It helps with organizing, editing, and piecing together your writing. Programs such as this offer writers a simple way to construct their writing while keeping their pieces’ integrity. @kendall_bousquet has a writing tips series to share her editing, writing, and resources that she utilized for her work.
@kendall_bousquet How to not want to 💀 when editing! FREEE RESOURCE!!!#writingabook #aspiringauthor #scrivener #scrivenertips #scrivenertutorial #howtowriteabook #howtoeditabook ♬ original sound – Kendall Bousquet | Writer
Formatting and editing can be a stressful part of the writing process. Utilizing the writing community and grabbing tips from experienced authors and editors can be a great way to relieve some of your stress. If you ever have a question, there is always someone with an answer who is willing to help. Good luck with your formatting and edits, and remember to have fun as you bring your writing to life.
Looking for more tips on editing? Click here.
To find more resources for writers, check out our Writer Inspiration – Tips, Tricks, and Book Recs on Becoming a Better Writer bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
