How can I effectively edit my own writing?

While working on a long manuscript, over a long period of time, when I coldn’t find a suitable editor, I stumbled upon a good way to self-edit.

There was a Chapter that I hadn’t worked on for two months. It was complete, and I thought in publishible shape. Looking at it after this two month absence, however, It revealed to me several minor flaws, and a killer error. These were easily remidied, and I discovered the way to edit my own writing. It is simply to wait for time to pass; time for my mind to forget the Chapter, and see the writing from a distant point of view, as if I were reading it for the first time.

I recommend you try this if you can’t find an ousider to look over your work.