1. Print a copy of your piece. This is a good way to slow down; rushing can lead to carelessness. Take a pen and read your article thoroughly, noting any corrections or additions. Then read it aloud in a flat, monotone voice — sometimes our ears catch things our eyes don’t.
2. Set it aside (or don’t). Some grammar and writing experts recommend this, however, I find going over the copy regularly keeps it fresher in my mind and makes me more alert to spot errors. (And, frankly, sometimes, for a close deadline, I can’t let it sit for a week or more.) Experiment with both to find which way works best for you.
3. Reverse direction. Read the copy backward — start at the bottom and return to the top. This is another way to keep your mind alert to errors you might miss during a regular read through.
4. Have another pair of eyes look it over. If you’re open to constructive criticism and won’t take it personally, show a trusted friend or loved one your writing. Another set of eyes can help you see more clearly.
5. Spell-check. It isn’t perfect, but it’s useful for catching basic mistakes (passive voice, misspelled words, duplicate words), especially as you near the end of the editing process. Just don’t rely on it for all of your editing and proofreading; a good job requires more care, and your readers will notice a lack of effort.
Quotes
“There is no such thing as good writing. There is only good rewriting.” ~ Harry Shaw, Errors in English and Ways to Correct Them
“Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear.” ~ Patricia Fuller, fantasy writer
Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com
