Writers, as a group we’ve had the pleasure of taking part in a contest of staring at blank pages, looking for the perfect words to bring life to our ideas. But that’s only the initial warm-up. After we’ve mastered that first draft, we’re now in the thrilling world of the process of editing. It’s game time.
Editing can be as threatening as the roar of a dragon. When we embrace these four core concepts, we can transform editing from a burden into an exciting adventure.
Read Your Work Aloud
Although it may appear odd the act of reading aloud your work is a valuable exercise. It allows you to spot inconsistencies in sentences, repetitive words and grammar mistakes that you might not have noticed. It also serves as an effective method of evaluating the flow and the rhythm that you write.
Eliminate Redundancy
Everyone has their favorite phrases and words we often frequently use. Although we might be fond of these phrases, they may quickly become unnecessary when we write. Thus, before you finish your piece, thoroughly examine it for any unneeded wordings and phrases. Your readers will certainly appreciate the clarity of your writing.
Embrace Restructuring
Sometimes, writing may feel like a jigsaw puzzle that is missing just a few pieces. It is a good thing that rearranging paragraphs or sentences is like adding missing pieces, and magically turning your writing into something that is truly stunning. Don’t be afraid to organize your work to create an enticing and logical presentation. Your ideas will be more effective with the new arrangement.
Seek External Feedback
Writers, in our lives, often become too absorbed in our work and forgetting mistakes or areas in need of improvements. This is why getting an additional opinion from a service such as Capstone editing is always recommended. The ability to let someone else review your work and give constructive feedback is a great benefit. Although it can be challenging at first but ultimately, this can strengthen your writing.
Editing by itself as opposed to Looking for a Different Opinion
Editing an article by itself is a daunting task. After spending countless days, hours, or even weeks in the process of creating perfect sentence and words the personal connection we have with our writing can cloud our judgement and make it difficult to spot areas that require improvements.
That’s why having another viewpoint is beneficial. It allows us to look at our work from a new viewpoint, while gaining valuable insight. Furthermore, it aids us get rid of our biases and view the writing we write in a different perspective.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to accept any suggestion or criticism without a second thought. The final decision should always rest with the writer. But, it’s important to realize that seeking a second opinion is only going to increase the quality and quality that you put into the composition.
A second opinion about your writing can be like adding a touch of magic. It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional editor or a trusted friend the key ingredient assures that your words are not only error-free, but as well captivating. If you’re struggling with the process of editing, keep in mind these golden rules and don’t be afraid to add some spice by seeking an additional opinion!