The Writing Process: Revising, Editing and ProofreadingStudent Development ServicesWriting Support CentreUCC 210www.sds.uwo.ca/writing
OutlineAn Editors MindsetRevisingEditing Proofreading
An Editors MindsetEssential component of the writing processSimilar to, yet different from, draftingSame goalsUsually a different processPolishing rather than creatingDepends if editing for yourself or a peer
Self Editing IssuesGive yourself some space......But not too muchLearn your tendenciesWhat are your goals?
Peer Editing IssuesDegree of help neededAmount of time before submissionBalance criticisms with compliments
Procuring Peer EditorsWriters need readersGood editors are worth their weight in goldDont abuse them; give them your best work
Layers of Effective Writing4- Content3- Organization2- Style1- AppearanceRewritingRevisingEditingProofreading
Revising For OrganizationMoving around and adding/removing major pieces of textMost important aspectHard, but rewarding
1: Elements of the TextThesis Statement/Hypothesis/ObjectivesIntroduction/ConclusionTopic Sentences
2: Logical FlowLinear process: A B C DDoes the content build on itself?
3: Discipline-Specific ConventionsRules that are not to be violatedE.g. No results in methods, discussion in results (Sciences)
4: Audience AppropriatenessWill the content be clear for the intended audience?
Revising YourselfA detached perspective is essentialGet to the essence of the text
Revising PeersKeep a safe distanceAsk specific questions, dont rewrite
Procuring PeersWithin-discipline peers are most helpfulOutside-discipline peers may need help
Editing for StyleMicro-logical aspects of the textIs this readable?What style is appropriate?Do the sentences flow?
ClarityIf it can be misinterpreted, it is wrongMake changes to vague, absolute, misleading, and commonly misinterpreted words
ConcisenessIf words or phrases can be removed while maintaining meaning, do itChange passive voice, negative form
General Editing TipsRead aloudHard copy vs. ElectronicTracking changes
Tracking Changes
Editing YourselfAgain, time and space is essentialLearn your tendencies
Editing Your PeersEdit, dont rewriteKeep the spirit, just play with the words
Procuring Peer EditorsWithin discipline: Help with discipline-specific terminologyOutside of discipline: Wont get distracted by content
Proofreading for AppearanceGrammar, spelling, formattingSpellcheck and grammar check are not enoughRead each word and sentence carefullyUsually the last step
Proofreading YourselfBest results when restedLearn your common mistakesLast thing you do before handing in or submitting
Proofreading Your PeersOnly if other aspects are cleanPoint out repeated mistakesCan feel like piling on
Procuring Proofreading PeersWithin-Discipline: Can be a wasteOutside-Discipline: Anal retentive friendsEssential for ESL students
General Proofreading TipsRead aloudRead backwardsWatch every comma (and other punctuation)Hard copy vs. Electronic
Final NotesTake a break in the middleReview multiple draftsBe nice to your editors