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Printed from https://www.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: Lilith of House Martell
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

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: B01MQP5740
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


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

BOOK
Kiya's Big Book of Writing Guidelines  (E)
For all tips and guidelines to help improve your writing skills.
#1299892 by iKïyå§ama-House Targaryen


FORUM
MechGrammical  (13+)
A place to ask and answer questions about writing mechanics and grammar.
#2160953 by Satuawany


The Lesson Safe  (E)
Self-Taught Writing Courses Available to all WdC Registered Authors
#2036829 by Katzendragonz


STATIC
WDC Writing University Library  (ASR)
the iKiyá§ama Endowment Library
#2224853 by Jim Hall - GoT Forest Child


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


STATIC
Show vs. Tell: Bring your story to life  (18+)
a letter from a character in one of my stories...
#2064891 by Jim Hall - GoT Forest Child



 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer


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Word from our sponsor
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