Does this sentence sound weird? Should I put a comma here? Will my reader understand this section?
These questions can be difficult to answer after a writer has spent hours, days, or weeks on a single piece of writing. In fact, many writers find editing their own work challenging. Here are few tips for editing your work!
Read Your Writing Out Loud
When we read our writing out loud, we are more likely to catch awkward phrases and unnatural word choices. After you’ve finished writing, take the time to read your work and see how it sounds. You will likely notice funky aspects of your writing that you might not have otherwise.
Come Back Tomorrow
This might sound like odd advice, but I encourage you to take some time in between drafts. After you finish writing an essay, you might go back and edit it once, but then…come back tomorrow. Returning to a piece of writing with fresh eyes can help us gain a new perspective on our work; it’s sometimes easier to edit for elements like flow and organization after a bit of time away. This can also serve as a strong incentive to not procrastinate your essay!
Get a Second Set of Eyes
Once you’ve edited your writing to the best of your ability, ask a trusted friend or family member to read over your work. Often, a second reader is the best indicator of how our writing is going. Does your reader understand your central points? What stands out to them? Did they find that it transitioned well from one paragraph to another? Find someone who will both read critically and highlight your strengths!
If you’re still struggling with editing your work or if you are having trouble finding a reliable ‘second set of eyes,’ our Writing Coaches are here to help! Contact our office today to book an appointment.
