Rewrites, Edits, and Proofreading
No matter what you write, you will find yourself making changes to your work before you submit it for review or publication. Those processes are called rewrites, edits, and proofreading. Sometimes, we confuse one with the other when all three are distinct tasks that should be performed before we consider a piece finished.
Most writers begin with rewrites. We create our rough draft and then rewrite the work, supporting conclusions, tying up loose ends, making needed structural changes, and adding description. Many writers consider the rewriting process to be the most rewarding and the most fun. It all comes together in the rewrite.
Once the work is as complete as you can make it, edit it. Look at the big picture, examining the intention of the work and whether that has been achieved. If the work cites others, the references and links must checked and confirmed as accurate.
Proofreading is the detail review. Spelling, grammar, capitalization, and inconsistencies in tense are found and corrected in this step. Caution - do not rely on your spellchecker. While it may find some errors, it cannot find them all. It will not highlight a word that is spelled accurately but used incorrectly. Example: red (the color) and read (past tense of read a book).
Should you hire an editor? If your publisher does not supply one, then you must get another person to read your work with a critcal eye. This is rarely a family member or close friend as they tend not to point out trouble spots in a effort to spare feelings. To save money, read your work as careful as you can and fix everything you find before handing it off to someone else. Make good use of writers' groups for the preliminary reviews and checks. Then get recommendations from fellow writers and get yourself an outside editor.
If you are serious about your writing, you must be serious about your editing.
Most writers begin with rewrites. We create our rough draft and then rewrite the work, supporting conclusions, tying up loose ends, making needed structural changes, and adding description. Many writers consider the rewriting process to be the most rewarding and the most fun. It all comes together in the rewrite.
Once the work is as complete as you can make it, edit it. Look at the big picture, examining the intention of the work and whether that has been achieved. If the work cites others, the references and links must checked and confirmed as accurate.
Proofreading is the detail review. Spelling, grammar, capitalization, and inconsistencies in tense are found and corrected in this step. Caution - do not rely on your spellchecker. While it may find some errors, it cannot find them all. It will not highlight a word that is spelled accurately but used incorrectly. Example: red (the color) and read (past tense of read a book).
Should you hire an editor? If your publisher does not supply one, then you must get another person to read your work with a critcal eye. This is rarely a family member or close friend as they tend not to point out trouble spots in a effort to spare feelings. To save money, read your work as careful as you can and fix everything you find before handing it off to someone else. Make good use of writers' groups for the preliminary reviews and checks. Then get recommendations from fellow writers and get yourself an outside editor.
If you are serious about your writing, you must be serious about your editing.
Posted by Linda Mickey at 6/11/2011 10:32 AM 
Categories: Writing How To
Tags: rewrites editing and proofreading spellcheckers using editors wisely writing advice
Categories: Writing How To
Tags: rewrites editing and proofreading spellcheckers using editors wisely writing advice
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