Self-editing for the Hypersensitive

Some people are difficult to work with. I am one of those people. On the one hand, I am very demanding. I have high standards. Yes, sometimes a factual error or stray comma pollutes my prose. However, I strive to thrive. Or something. On the other hand, I've improved at accepting criticism, but do not yet possess skin of steel.

And this is a major problem when self-editing. No, I don't give myself the benefit of the doubt. However, the hairdryer treatment is impossible in a one-man show. I'm neck-deep in book revisions, and I am generally happy with the organization, paragraphing, etc. However, a few things bug me.

First, on the down side, I use some worthless verbs. These terms pop up too much: "managed to" and "attempted to." Sound familiar? I hope not. Every time I see a conjugated verb+verb combo, I want to barf.

Second, on the up side, I've only had to reorganize one full page and a very small amount of paragraphs. The book flows. The early chapters are mercifully short. The middle chapters are longer. The later chapters are even longer. Still, I've got details on unexamined angles, a conclusion that is not armchair sociology drivel, and original artwork. What's not to love?

But, if you ever have to edit your own work and are hypersensitive, I suggest writing under a pen name. Then you can totally rail on that prick who can't string together a coherent sentence. You know the guy. Idjit.