The Writing Process
Re-Thinking
Revision and Editing
Revision and editing are actually two separate processes. There is an overlap, but essentially revision refers to the continual process of writing and re-writing, while editing focuses on the smaller details such as grammar, punctuation, and minute fine-tuning.
Revision
Revision is more than fixing the small stuff (such as spelling and punctuation). Often times it means reworking entire sections. It means cutting, adding, reorganizing and rewording. Global revision requires looking at the overall effect of your writing. Is it clear? Does it say what you want it to? It means getting rid of, or rewriting, weak spots, strengthening the piece as a whole. Revision requires time. Don’t rush yourself.
- Be ruthless! Exceptional work often times requires major changes. Don’t fall in love with your writing based on the amount of time put into it. Fall in love with it because it is the best it can be. Don’t give up prematurely.
- Create distance between you and your writing. Set it aside for a few hours or a few days, and then come back to it. This distance allows you to see the work with fresh eyes.
- Print out a hard copy or your writing. You will notice things on paper that you might miss on the computer screen.
- Read your paper out loud; have someone read it to you, or both. Your ears will pick up things that your eyes missed.
- Give the paper to someone else and ask them to respond.
- Get out a pair of scissors and start cutting—your paper that is. Move things around. Play with the organization until it feels right.
- Make use of the Writing Resource Center. They are there to help!
Editing
Editing is proof reading. After you have decided that you are basically happy with what you have said, it is time to do the fine-tuning. Don’t skimp on this. A great deal of editing involves fixing careless mistakes; but it is also your opportunity to put the polishing touches in your writing. A fine-tuned paper is a pleasure to read. It can make all the difference.
- Remember that, even though the spell check is very useful, you cannot rely on it alone. A word which is spelled right may not be the right word.
- The same is true for a computer’s grammar check. Remember, it is only a computer.
- Read the text aloud. Your ear will finds clumsy rhythms, repetitions, awkward and complex sentences, missing links, and the like that your eyes might have missed.
- Read slowly and carefully. Read every paragraph, sentence, and word. Does it say what you want it to say?
- Examination punctuation closely. It is a tool in making your meaning clear.
- Read your paper through more than once. You don’t always notice everything the first time through.
