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11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing

July 10, 2013 by Kenna Griffin

editing penYou thought of a great idea, gathered the information and used your keyboard to create a piece of art. Now comes the tough part—editing.

If editing other people’s work is challenging, editing your own writing is downright painful.

It’s difficult to edit your own work for several reasons.

First, it’s your art. Your writing is a personal form of expression. No matter the subject, the piece is something you created. This makes revising, redrafting and cutting difficult. (Read more about why this is necessary to edit and condense your writing.)

Second, you’re too close. You crafted the words into sentences, which you then read and reread. It makes sense to you. You understand the topic. You know what you meant to say. It’s difficult for you to recognize when others have no idea what you’re talking about.

Third, humans make mistakes. Have you ever seen one of these?

 

Jumbled letters

 

Our eyes play tricks on us. We read right over typos that we normally would catch in other people’s writing.

Self-editing is difficult, but it’s also necessary. We don’t all have a full-time copy editor waiting to review our text. Even those of us who have worked with a full-time editor understand that cleaner copy leaving our hands means more control of the final product. In short, the ability to self-edit is critical to publishing autonomy.

11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing

 1. Just write first

We all know someone who writes five words and deletes two, making it a miracle that any piece is ever done. Don’t edit while you’re writing. Just get it all out. You can come back and fix it later.

2. Start with spell check

Although you shouldn’t rely completely on spell check (there’s a key difference between public and pubic, but they’re both words), it is a good place to start. Go ahead and run the spell checker before you begin editing, just don’t rely on it as your only defense against errors.

3. Step away

One of the best ways to recognize errors in writing is to step away from the piece. This could be something as simple as running to the restroom or to get a coffee. I like to let a piece rest overnight before I proofread it, but that’s not always possible. My favorite outcome is coming back to a story and realizing it’s not as bad as I previously thought.

4. Change formats

Printing out your story allows you to catch more errors than reading it on the screen.

If something prevents you from printing a piece, consider either reading in “preview” mode or bumping up the point size and changing the font before editing. These simple format changes make it easier to catch errors.

5. Change locations

You can take the format change concept further by printing the piece, taking a break and then reading the copy elsewhere. I worked with a reporter who always printed his story and edited it while sitting in a comfy chair in the lobby. Believe it or not, a change in location makes a big difference.

6. Read aloud

Read your work out loud and change anything that doesn’t make sense or that you stumble over. If you have to read a sentence more than once before you understand it, change it.

7. Read all the way through

Read the piece all the way through and consider it as a unit before you begin marking edits or making changes.

8. Macro edit

After reading the piece, consider the big picture. Are there sections that need to be cut or added? Is key information missing or easily identified? Does the piece flow?

Don’t start with polishing every sentence. Get the big stuff right first, then work into the details. Otherwise, you’ll end up carefully editing sentences that you’ll later cut or change.

9. Micro edit

Once you’re broadly happy with the shape and flow of your piece, it’s time to cut. Since it’s easier to write long than it is to write short, we tend to use more words than necessary. My advice is to pretend that every word costs you a dollar and save yourself some money.

When you micro edit, you’re considering every sentence and each word.

Make sure the piece uses correct style, spelling and grammar.

Write sentences in the most active voice possible, using subject, verb, object construction.

It’s also helpful to know you own habit words, so you can look for them in your writing. For example, that is my habit word. I use that way more than necessary. So, one of the first things I do during the micro editing process is eliminate the word that in every possible usage.

10. Reread

Be sure to reread your piece once you’re done editing. Sometimes you accidentally edit in mistakes or skim over them. If you can print again, move to another location and read aloud, do all of those steps again at this point.

11. Spell check

I always end my writing process with another spell check. I usually say this is using “spell check just because you can.” After all, it only takes a couple of seconds, but it can save a lot of frustration in the end.

The best advice I can offer is to get a good copy editor for the final step in the process. However, this isn’t always feasible, and you should complete these steps anyway.

Self-editing is difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. I hope these 11 tips help you publish cleaner copy, avoiding errors that frustrate you when someone else catches them after publication

What tips or tricks do you use when editing your own writing?

 

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above (typically those to books) may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I promise that I only recommend products or services I use personally and think will provide you value. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comments

  1. sadie_eicher says

    March 7, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    “kmueller62: 11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing http://t.co/KjclPCtoWdoWd vprofkrgkr#PREL410410

    Reply
  2. BrandonBuckner says

    March 7, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    geoffliving profkrg My worlds just collided. Kenna was one of my profs. Small world.

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 7, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      This is what seanmcginnis calls “awesome meets awesome.” BrandonBuckner: geoffliving My worlds just collided. Kenna was one of my profs.

      Reply
    • geoffliving says

      March 7, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      BrandonBuckner profkrg Super small world!

      Reply
  3. danielalex_book says

    March 7, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    Hey Kenna
    Awesome List.
    I would never have thought to try a new location.
    Very smart 🙂
    Happy Friday
    Ciao

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 8, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      danielalex_book Thank you so much. Thanks for reading and commenting! 
      Kenna

      Reply
  4. dadofdivas says

    March 8, 2013 at 4:47 am

    Amazing list, thanks for sharing. I tend to agree that I get to close to my writing and have to step away. Sometimes I even have to let something sit for a while and then when I come back I have a whole new take on it!

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 8, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      dadofdivas Yes, just letting it settle for a bit really does help.
      Thanks for reading and commenting!
      Kenna

      Reply
    • tgnbb says

      February 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      SAME!! Soooo Tricky.

      Reply
  5. ThinDifference says

    March 8, 2013 at 6:52 am

    Great list! One thing that also helps for me is to print it out. Maybe I am old fashioned, but reading it on paper still helps my editing. Thanks! Jon

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 8, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      ThinDifference That one also helps me a ton. Plus, editing on paper just goes better for me.
      Thanks for reading and commenting.
      Kenna

      Reply
  6. PaxAsteriae says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:02 am

    I wouldn’t have thought about changing location before editing either, it’s something I’ll have to try.  One thing I did try that seemed to work was bullying my project onto my Kindle and re-reading it there.  Typoes made themselves a lot more obvious, and it was cheaper than the ink and paper.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 8, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      PaxAsteriae Thanks for reading and commenting!
      Kenna

      Reply
  7. MariahParker says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:32 am

    “PegFitzpatrick: 11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing http://t.co/lkZtbithulhul vprofkrgkr#paperlegendsnds

    Reply
  8. ContentSTHLM says

    March 9, 2013 at 6:42 am

    Excellent advice: 11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing http://t.co/mAYKMvJOhtOht vprofkrgkrg &amNickKelletlet

    Reply
  9. Kathy_Robinson says

    March 9, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    When I have to proof on my own, I like to print it out. I also catch more errors that way. If an article is too long, I take out sections and use them as a basis for a new article. Now that hubby is home full time he gets to proof my work and I return the favor.

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 11, 2013 at 1:37 pm

      Kathy_Robinson Two sets of eyes are always better, but not always possible. It’s nice that you have a partner for that.
      Thank you for reading and commenting.
      Kenna

      Reply
      • WaqasAhmad says

        July 19, 2013 at 1:15 pm

        profkrg Kathy_Robinson A partner is always necessary, how much efforts you do but when your manuscript comes in front of others eyes, you remember your mistakes.
        thanks

        Reply
  10. Neil2mrv9e says

    March 10, 2013 at 3:47 am

    gingerconsult http://t.co/9gJ4680lSnlSn

    Reply
  11. brknsunshine says

    March 11, 2013 at 3:57 am

    profkrg I want to read the 11 tips but the link will not open….could you RT it? Thanks

    Reply
  12. kulls2 says

    March 13, 2013 at 7:48 am

    Excellent article Ms. Prof KRG. I am always looking out for improving my writing skills and here is what I have wanted extra.
    Re read, reading loud and spelling check are great points to know your writing

    Reply
  13. patricksplace says

    March 17, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Reading your writing out loud makes a HUGE difference. There are things you read one way in your head (and assume it’s correct) that you’ll find reads a completely different way when you read it out loud. (And that “completely different” way is likely the way your audience will read it.
    That one trick has saved me many times.

    Reply
  14. profkrg says

    March 18, 2013 at 10:31 am

    patricksplace Thanks, Patrick! I appreciate you.

    Reply
  15. ProfWritingOSU says

    March 20, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Everyone should check out this article RT profkrg 11 Tips for Editing Your Own Writing http://t.co/1wB34owY47Y4#writingi#bloggingi#editinging

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      March 20, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      ProfWritingOSU Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  16. dennis d mcdonald says

    July 12, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Thanks for the fine list. I used it as a jumping off place for a blog post of my own: “How I Speed Up Writing & Editing” http://www.ddmcd.com/speed.html

    Reply
  17. SarahMBlood says

    September 16, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    I definitely agree with the need to keep macro and micro editing separate.  Sol Stein’s “On Writing” recommends a five step approach called Triage.
    http://www.sarahmblood.com
    SarahMBlood

    Reply
  18. profkrg says

    September 17, 2013 at 11:37 am

    SarahMBlood I’ll have to review that.

    Reply
  19. infospot says

    November 30, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    Excellent tips

    Reply
  20. arghablargh says

    April 13, 2015 at 11:23 am

    The jumbled text illustrating how we read with a mental autocorrect has some typos.  Unjumbling the letters reveals an opening of “According to a researchch”, extra “ch” included.  Maybe I just have editor’s brain right now.

    Reply
  21. Morgaine620 says

    September 5, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    profkrg thanks so much for sharing. It was just added to my RebelMouse http://rbl.ms/1JX8oE4

    Reply
  22. profkrg says

    October 14, 2015 at 10:08 am

    EmilyHavensDSN I’m glad you found it helpful, Emily. Happy Wednesday!

    Reply
  23. profkrg says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    HLibraryofLife Thank you!

    Reply
  24. OKRoserock says

    February 25, 2016 at 11:40 pm

    profkrg Great tips, thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Nicky Reich says

    August 31, 2016 at 5:21 am

    Normal column! It perfectly suits for all writers,bloggers, students. It contains a lot of good info and will help to enhance your writing skills and become better writer. In order to find more paper writing advise browse at this page https://eduessayhelper.org/. Good luck writers!

    Reply

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Prof KRG

Prof KRG aims to create an ongoing educational dialogue among media professionals, students and educators.

Please let me know what resources you need or topics you wish you better understood. If I don't know the information, I'm happy to seek out someone who does.

Contact me via email at kennagriffin@gmail.com.

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About Kenna Griffin

I am a mass communications professor, journalist and collegiate media adviser. I teach classes including those on writing, reporting, media law, media ethics, social media marketing, and public relations. I am married, have two children and live in Oklahoma. More about this site's purpose

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