editing

The Disclaimer: The thing about the writing process is there are lots of different ones. In this program I suggest some ways other writers have found helpful, but don't be afraid to work on your own approach to writing. You are, after all, the author.

The (Elegant) Editing Page:

I just ran my spell check on what I've written so far today.

It found plenty of spelling errors! (Don't look, because they aren't there anymore! )

Whoever invented spell checking software should be fondly embraced by all of us.

Especially those of us who are not good at the spelling game.

The very fact that I ran the spell check means I'm into the "Editing" stage of the writing.

When we edit, we weed out any mistakes in spelling, punctuation, grammar.

Sometimes we do this automatically when we are revising early drafts, but I find it easier to think about editing as a separate step in the writing process.

You may not always have a computer to help edit.

Here's one trick for when you're not on your computer, and you have no one to check your spelling: read your paper backwards.

Start with the last word and work your way to the top.

Often this will short circuit the tendency we all have of "seeing" what we think we should see, "seeing" the correct spelling when you may have left out a letter or something.

By going backwards you will naturally focus more on what is really there.

Of course this only works when you know how to spell the word in the first place.

You can't have my wife, who is wonderful at picking up spelling errors, but you probably have someone around equally talented.

Actually, editing your own paper is a lot harder than editing some other person's paper; this suggests that you can work some deals with your classmates, and many schools have "writing centers" filled with folk eager to help you polish your essay to a lovely shine free of errors.

Punctuation will need tending to.

The "Punctuation Discussion" on this program may not only help you learn some of the rules in general, but also, by having your next-to-deadline draft handy, you will be able to help yourself to edit that specific paper.

On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if there were a special menu you could click on and see a list of links to all of the punctuation rules in the program?

Some computer programs include a "grammar check" as well as a "spell check" tool.

Grammar checks tend to be much more limited in how they can help you edit.

The thing to do, if you use a grammar text, is to maintain ownership: make suggested changes if they make sense to you, but don't be afraid to ignore the advice if the suggested change interferes with the effect you want to achieve.

I once typed Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" into my word processor.

I wanted to see how the grammar check would respond to what is generally considered the finest speech ever written in America.

The grammar check chewed it up is what it did.

The suggested changes would have ruined the tone and power of that speech.

Luckily Lincoln didn't have his computer with him when he wrote it.

However, limited, controlled use of grammar checks can be helpful.

Audience is everything. Edit keeping your audience in mind.

This program stresses the "Standard English" dialect because that is what you will most often need in school for most assignments.

Enjoy the game.

To return to Step Two, please click : HERE