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You Can Never Have Enough Editing

Friday, September 23, 2011
... we'll you can reach a limit to editing but...
S
ome thoughts on editing.


1. There is a direct correlation between success as a writer and time spent editing. Editing here means rewrites, cuts and copyediting. This mammoth job takes on a life of its own and requires more time than drafting the outline and writing the first draft.
2. When in doubt, cut.
3. When in doubt, look it up.
4. Give yourself space between each go-through. You need to clear you mind and come at the material with a fresh look.
5. Use a speech-to-text application to give yourself a different view on your work. Kindle. Final Draft (A script writing program).
6. The same can be said for changing the font and font size of your material. Typically we stick to the same font. By changing it drastically, it tricks the mind and you’ll see your work in a different way.
7. Create an e-book file of your work and read it with your e-reader.
8. Know your trouble words and search them out. I know in writing a first draft I’ll write, “I here the kettle boiling…” and many other examples.
9. Finally, even when you think you can’t possibly read it anymore, read it one more time because you can never have enough editing.
Posted 2011/09/23 at 15h13ET in Editing.
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Comments

  1. Bev HarrisonMonday 4 June 2012 at 00:16:00 GMT-4

    Hi James,

    If you ever require the services of a proofreader/editor, pop on over to my website and have look at author recommendations and my very reasonable rates.

    Cheers
    Bev
    www.bevharrosproofreading.weebly.com

    ReplyDelete

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