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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10888-Self-Editing-Your-Writing.html
Drama: August 04, 2021 Issue [#10888]




 This week: Self-Editing Your Writing
  Edited by: Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Some thoughts on editing and revising:

"Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear."
~ Patricia Fuller

"The first draft is black and white. Editing gives the story color."
~ Emma Hill

"Editing fiction is like using your fingers to untangle the hair of someone you love."
~ Stephanie Roberts

"Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler's heart, kill your darlings."
~ Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B085272J6B
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Letter from the editor

I know, I know—it feels almost impossible to edit your own writing. You are so entrenched in your message that is it hard to pinpoint what works and what should fall victim to the delete button. Hopefully, these tips will help you out!

*Quill* Structure the task.
Take a look at the largest elements (like plot structure) first. Once you are satisfied with those, focus on the details of language (grammar, style, and punctuation).

*Quill* Take a break!
After finishing a draft, put it aside for a day, week, or longer. However long you need to return to it edit with fresh eyes.

*Quill* Use free online tools.
There are several available online which can examine sentence difficulty, alert you to grammar issues, punctuation problems, etc.

*Quill* Read aloud.
Read your writing aloud, to yourself. Hearing the rhythm of the words will help you edit for flow. Not only that, your ears can help pick up errors that your eyes may miss.

*Quill* Check tense.
Errors of tense are common amongst new writers. Steering the Craft by Ursula le Guin has a thorough and concise overview of tense types.

*Quill* Mix it up.
Reading a text over and over again may make your eyes used to an error. Try reading backward, from the last word to the first, to pick up any hard-to-spot errors.

*Quill* Be ruthless.
Don't be afraid to cut parts that aren't working and just start fresh.

*Quill* Change the view.
Try changing the font and/or font size for editing purposes. Sounds nutty but the altered appearance may help you see the text anew.


Editor's Picks

Image Protector
BOOK
Kiya's Big Book of Writing Guidelines Open in new Window. (E)
For all tips and guidelines to help improve your writing skills.
#1299892 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
MechGrammical Open in new Window. (13+)
A place to ask and answer questions about writing mechanics and grammar.
#2160953 by Satuawany Author IconMail Icon


The Lesson Safe Open in new Window. (E)
Self-Taught Writing Courses Available to all WdC Registered Authors
#2036829 by Katzendragonz Author IconMail Icon


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STATIC
WDC Writing University Library Open in new Window. (ASR)
the iKiyá§ama Endowment Library
#2224853 by Jim Hall Author IconMail Icon


 
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How To Make Your Writing Stand Out Open in new Window. (E)
The use of voice, diction and figures of speech in fiction writing.
#1901144 by A E Willcox Author IconMail Icon


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STATIC
Show vs. Tell: Bring your story to life Open in new Window. (18+)
a letter from a character in one of my stories...
#2064891 by Jim Hall Author IconMail Icon



 
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Ask & Answer


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