By: Raymond Williams
Writing the last page of a project is a goal every writer wants to achieve. It shows proof that all your hard work is done and you can finally relax–until you have to edit your work. A mix of joy, frustration, and relief can fill a writer’s mind as they review and edit their work. According to communications firm Fuel Lines, it is customary for writers to spend more than half their time editing than work.
Every writer has their own unique editing process. Some edit their writing after they finish a paragraph,chapter, or once it’s completely finished. No matter the routine, editing is essential to help you become better at your craft.
Here are four must-know editing tips you can use for your writing process as a writer:
Read your work out loud
The words you write might make sense in your head, but it could sound different when reading it aloud. It’s always great practice to review what you’ve written out loud. By doing this, you’ll be able to edit or delete grammatical errors, and clarify certain language and sentences so your text reads smoothly.
Don’t edit as you write
This is a hard task for many writers. It can be an easy trigger to edit content you just wrote so it can flow with the content you already have. But, this approach can distract you from completing your work. A great way to tackle this issue is to write everything down first, take a break, then review your work after. Doing so will allow more time to make your edits while not distracting you from creating your story.
Remove unnecessary words or sentences
An internal struggle writers go through is worrying if their work is good enough. For some writers, this mindset leads to using overly complicated words or sentences to make them sound “profound” or “intellectual” to potential readers. It is important to be as clear and concise as possible in your writing. Removing complex words and sentences can improve your writing and make it more legible. Sometimes, simple is better.
Let others read your work
Having other writers read your work has many benefits, although this approach can ignite many feelings such as excitement, fear, or nervousness. But, no matter how you feel, allowing others to read your work is essential to help you improve your skills. Receiving feedback from your editor, family, friends, mentors, or acquaintances will help keep you on track and open your mind to new ideas that can be incorporated into your story.