Self-editing appears intimidating at first. The idea of it looms over us like a troll ready to mush us into chili. Yet, once we overcome that fear, we realize the task is easier than most think. When you give the subject more thought and investigation, you soon discover that the troll is actually a house elf with a modified mirror and a bullhorn. If you have the determination and guidance, you can make that house elf work for you, not against you.

Much can be said for an easy to read article. It gets to the point without embellishment, and the reader is happier having read it. So, it makes sense to worry about sentence-structure and spelling, because most editors don’t want to wade through it. Plus, no reader likes stopping mid-sentence to decipher your wording. Just remember to keep your writing clean and simple. Don’t try to write pretty or noble or big, try instead to say just what you mean.

The Writer’s Duty

If you love to read, then you can see when your favourite author makes a spelling mistake, or when s/he uses the wrong homonym, or when a sentence could be written differently to make better sense. Editors are the guardians of the written word realm, but even they tire of their duties and miss a thing or two, here and there.

We soon come to realize our duty as writers is to use the written word as competently as we can. Just like carpenters, or tax attorneys, we must learn how to use our tools properly. And, just like those in other professions, practising with those instruments makes us more efficient. If we don’t learn how to use our most important tools: words; not much of what we write will ever be published.

“Amateur or professional, we writers strive for perfection, even though we know it is impossible to attain, and if we strive seriously enough, we do get better.” — J. Madison Davis

The Sound of Your Voice

We, all writers, have an ego that we nurture and coddle. It is the sound of our voice that we love. However, there is a point beyond which we should not carry our ego, and that is the line we draw between objectivity and subjectivity.

In order to improve as writers, we must learn to separate ourselves from our soul-fed writing once it is complete. To be subjective is to allow your writing to be influenced by intensely personal judgements. That is how we write to begin with. To be objective is to analyse and interpret those judgements with detached familiarity. That is how we should be re-writing.

Distancing ourselves once our project is finished is the only way we can attain the courage to shape our images into the forms we so desire for them. Raising a child is a similar venture. We love them beyond belief, but in order that they grow into fine adults, sometimes we have to put aside our feelings and do for them what is right, even if that means taking away certain freedoms to teach them responsibility.

Once we enter the mind-set that what we’ve written can be better, we can then use our eraser, liquid paper, backspace, or delete key without fear, in order that the meaning we wish to convey comes into clearer view. So, keep in mind that one draft is not enough. Be brave and remember that even the best writers need to re-write.

“When it comes to people, mercy killing is against the law. When it comes to fiction, it is the law.” — Stephen King

Word Processors

Computers have replaced scribblers and typewriters as the definitive word processor. Of course these devices are still used, but with features like cut and paste, the computer program reduces waste of time, resources, and paper. And, computers are continually being upgraded with the latest versions of hardware and software.

In hindsight, we should appreciate that and take advantage of recent advances in technology that allow writers to do their jobs more quickly and thoroughly. All the latest word processing programs can check your spelling and grammar for you as you write.

In Wordperfect and Works, these features can be found under the Tools tab. For the quickest results, use spell-check while you write, then turn on grammatic check once you’re done. If you see highlight, modify your sentence until it works. If you use a word too many times in the body of your article, use the thesaurus that comes with the program under the same tab.

Finding References

There are places other than within these programs that you might unearth these gems. Local bookstores sell the latest dictionaries and thesauruses. You can find some older ones at yard sales or second-hand shops. If you dislike the thought of cluttering your desk with reference books, there are online resources you can bookmark. Dictionary.com, onelook.com, thesaurus.com, and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page are just a few of the excellent references you can find. Do your research, and keep your eyes open. It won’t take long to find what you need.

Proofreading

Once your thoughts are down and your grammar and spelling are polished up, it’s time to proofread. Get rid of words you don’t need; cut sentences down to their musculature; approve the use of every word in your text. It always takes longer than you want it to, but, the extra time is worth it. Your material will shine truer, your depth will be laid bare, and that is what you want. There is no room for ambiguity, even less for sloppiness. Editors will appreciate that you made an effort to be an effectual writer, because it will show, and it makes their job easier.

If you have some friends who are willing to go over your essay and help you polish it, don’t take them for granted; ask for and accept their help and any advice they offer. Tips on discrepancies that come from two or more sources should be heeded—chances are they’re onto something. When you have all your critiques, do your re-write according to what you see fit. If only one person says that you mis-spelled a word that you know is right, disregard it.

Practice Makes Easier

To be perfect is impossible; to be better is attainable; not to try is atrocious. Keep your references handy not only when you write but when you read and do research. With practice, writing flowing sentences and finding the right word gets easier. So, take up your torch, be brave and enter your dark halls. Your destiny is your choice.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney