One of the best ways to improve your writing (other than actually getting a formal education and reading lots and lots of books on craft) is through critiquing.
As a writer it is so hard to distance yourself from your own work. You can edit to your hearts content and still miss things.
Through critiquing, we train our eyes to look for problems. Is there too much passive voice? Are there too many echos? Is there an obvious abuse of the dreaded -ly's? Do we lean on crutch words? Does the dialogue sound too wooden or forced?
I've noticed that after a good session of critiquing, I can return to my own work with a stronger critical eye.
I begin to see the things wrong with my own work and often, while making my notes, notice that I am giving myself the same or similar advice that I gave in my critique of others.
It's not 100% fool proof. I'll still never catch all of my mistakes, but the process helps me get closer to something that will be ready to submit.
And also, let' not forget the other benefit of participating in a critiquing group. What we don't catch ourselves, others will likely catch.
About The Author
Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.
Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.
In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.