Bit #21 – Editing
We have discussed the importance of separating your generating from your editing. Trying to do both tasks at the same time is not successful.
We often do not know what to do when we edit, so we default to trying to write a perfect sentence before moving on to the next. Do not fall into this trap. Get your words down on paper (generate), and then worry about making your words pretty (editing). You will write more, and your writing will flow better because you are not stopping your thought process to edit.
Once you get your words down, here are some editing strategies to try.
- Start sentences with the subject
The subject of your sentence is what is most important. If your audience does not understand your subject, they will not understand your message. Start your sentences with your subject to increase clarity and show us what we need to know from the start. Compare the following sentences:
As I have previously argued, it was not until after the last batch of votes was counted that the Senator was able to declare victory.
vs.
The Senator declared victory after the last batch of votes was counted.
The first sentence does not tell us what is important until the end. We have to wade through the information to figure out what the author is trying to say to us. The second sentence is clear and to the point.
- Go on an adjective hunt
Go through a section of your writing and search for every time you have used an adjective to describe data. Usually, these adjectives will include words like many, diverse, and extensive. Try to replace each adjective by:
- a number
- date
- name
- approximation
These replacements will help clarify your points for your reader.
Happy Editing!
