Three Steps To Good Self Editing
If you’re like me you need to buck up to edit your own things. Now I don’t mind editing other people’s words ( and I make part of my living at that ) but after I’ve written a blog I generally take a deep breath before I go back and check it for any inconsistencies. In fact if I’m not careful I find my mind skimming over the top like a rounded stone off a lake because I want to keep moving forward and stopping to edit slows me down.
Still, we all know how necessary it is and I’ve found over the years that there are a few things that keep me on track and the things that slip by to a minimum.
Finish Writing And Then Move On
When ever possible let the blog ferment. You’re less likely to see the errors that you need to right after you finish, so it’s best to leave yourself enough time so that you can move on to something else and come back to what you’ve written a few hours later. Granted that takes the ability to juggle a few things in the air and know which blogs you’ve saved as drafts, but in the end you’ll be surprised how much you catch when you go back after shifting mental gears for awhile.
There’s another good reason to let things settle for a bit too. When you’re on a roll writing blogs and riding that nice mental current where the words and phrases come easily, stopping to edit and then starting again is jarring. When you’re on a roll stay with it and finish a few blogs or articles and then go back to see what you’ve missed.
Slow Down And Read Out Loud
I don’t fully understand why this works but I don’t need to. I’ve tried to edit reading silently to myself and I find that I still miss the things that I catch when I read out loud. And really read the text too. The Internet is full of people who skim rather than read articles and blogs, but if you try to edit that way, you’re sure to miss some errors. It’s best to slow down and take your time as well. You’ll be surprised how many little things try to squirm away from the harried eye.
Use Proper Style
Although you want to makes things conversational and easy to read and you want to set a tone that’s close to the way you speak, it’s essential that you use proper grammar. If you don’t have it, get The Elements Of Style by Strunk and White. It’s short and easy to read and it will answer all of your grammar questions. Editing using the simple rules from this book will become a grooved habit when you’ve referred to it a few times and your writing and editing will be vastly improved.
Remember that while self editing can be tedious, it’s essential so that all your blogs are polished and you readers respect what you’ve got to say.
Written by Rob Starr from Rob StarrPosted on October 18th, 2009 and filed under Blogging
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24 Responses to “Three Steps To Good Self Editing”
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I’m terrible when it comes to editing. I have recently started to preview the post in a new window and correcting as I read, but errors still always seem to slip through.
try correcting it after you’re done instead
And if you can’t self edit effectively, get someone else to read it over before you post. That works wonders for many of my posts.
(now if only there was a person to read my comments before I submit them)
Rob – LexiConn
work on the self editing too..it will improve your writing.
Three great reminders! When I’m too hasty, I don’t splel well. And incomplete sentences!
I know what you mean..but the Web never lets us take a break.
It’s really helpful having proper writing plan,self-editing before you post is one thing.I know it’s tedious task but once you’re already into it,editing will be as easy as a-b-c for you
You’re right. Thanks
Another method I have read about is reading post reverse. We tend to ignore mistakes because of the habit of scanning online content rather than reading it. Reading backwards makes you read every single word!
That sounds interesting. I’ll try it
hi, i admire what you wrote here. And the site The Element of Style is great.
Thanks. I read that Steven King said once The Elements Of Style is all you really need in the way of reference books.
i am interested with your post, but work in editing later will improve your writing,
You’re right. Still, self editing helps now.
Great post to help blogger with self editing
Thanks Salman. Much appreciated
Thanks nice post I always read the article aloud as I find I don’t miss the mistakes.
I try to do the same. It’s a good practice.
tried it and it worked out.thanks a million.
My pleasure. Glad it helps
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