Editing Writing: Tips for Proofreading Your Work
Editing writing is an important part of producing a quality manuscript.
When you edit writing it allows you to present your best work to the public. You may also be asked to edit the work of another writer. Writing editing jobs are often available for freelancers online.
What are the things you should look for in your own writing or the work of another writer, during the process of editing? What tools can help you to be a better editor?
Words are sometimes used incorrectly in writing. A dictionary is a helpful tool when you are doing editing. Checking words you are not certain of in an online dictionary, or traditional paperback dictionary will help you to ensure that the words in the written work are being used in their correct context.
Image via Wikipedia
A thesaurus is also a helpful tool for editing writing. A thesaurus will quickly provide synonyms and alternative phrases, if you find that the text seems repetitive, or a particular word being used in the text does not fully describe what the writer needs, as well as another word or phrase would.
Make an additional copy of the work that you will use solely for the purpose of editing. This way, you can freely mark corrections. You can also freely remove content and introduce alternatives to sentences or paragraph structure in the writing.
Image by pirateyjoe via Flickr
When you edit writing, check the writing for errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can always hire a copy editor or proofreader to do it.
Image via Wikipedia
Remember the target audience. Check the writing for words and phrases that don’t suit the target audience. During manuscript proofreading you should replace these words with appropriate keywords and jargon. Also check for words and phrases which may be confusing to the reader.
When you are editing writing you should check the work for clarity. If there is any way to improve clarity or improve the reading experience, make the changes.
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July 14th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Very good tips. Thanks
July 14th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
good tips, this job is obviously for perfectionists.:)
July 14th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Thanks, I like this kind of articles!
July 14th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
useful info.
July 14th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
This is helpful information to some people I know.
July 14th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
good tips SharifaMcFarlane
July 15th, 2011 at 2:45 am
Good article. I have always found it difficult to edit my own writing.
July 15th, 2011 at 3:40 am
good one on editing
July 15th, 2011 at 9:31 am
You’re welcome Mph
July 15th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@ Neo
Most editors seem to be
July 15th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Buena
Good to know.
July 15th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Hi Vijay
July 15th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Hi Jimmy
July 15th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Hi Dino
July 15th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Gail, it’s easier sometimes when you don’t look at it for a few days.
July 15th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Thanks Chandrra.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:04 am
this is truly educational, thanks, Sharifa.
July 16th, 2011 at 3:56 am
Very useful information!
July 16th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
You’re welcome Melody.
July 16th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Hi 8She,
Welcome back!
July 17th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Speaking about audience, sometimes I found it’s quite hard because here we could see so many different people from different background and interests. But thanks a lot for your writing, it is always inspiring.
July 20th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Good advice. Though, I think I am sufficient with proofreading and editing my work – I’ve seen worse grammar and use of words in newspapers, magazines and even books. Though, I make mistakes too and should improve my choices of the right words …
July 20th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Thanks for those kind words Cassle.
July 20th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@ Michal,
I’m seeing some bad spelling and grammar in newspapers nowadays.
July 26th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Hi Sharifa cheers