#3 The one essential editing rule all writers can use to improve their work
Writing is a marvellous if maddening process. But it is the editing process where we refine and polish our work.
Whether we are writing a text message, school essay or the next great American novel we owe it to our readers to edit the final pieces.
Good editing hinges on grammatical, structural or stylistic ‘rules’ – and knowing when to break them.
Librarians could fill their buildings with books on the topic of editing.
But there is one rule to rule them all, one rule to bind them.
When in doubt, read it out.
As you edit, read your work – aloud if possible and time permits.
If you stumble on a sentence, your reader will too.
If you run out of breath, the sentence is too long.
If your brow furrows in confusion, the reader’s will as well.
Reading your work back helps you identify where to send your editor’s pen.
I have used this strategy for many years, but one particular experience highlighted its value to me.
The summer after I finished my postgraduate studies, my adviser had to submit final edits and revisions for his first book.
We spent dozens of afternoons and evenings taking turns to read the entire monograph, sentence by sentence, cover to cover.
At the end of the summer, my adviser and dear friend had a book they proudly handed to their publisher, knowing we had fine tooth combed the hell out of it.
Interested in history and/or beer?
Take a gander at the book by my professor that I helped across the line over on Amazon:
Peter A. Kopp
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Benjamin Craske
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