Bit #23 – Editing #3
Today’s editing strategies come from Dr. Pat Goodson. Her book “Becoming an Academic Writer” is a game-changer (click on the book to learn more). 🙂
Below are three more editing strategies to try. Each of these strategies can be done in whatever time you have available. Only have 10 minutes? Set your timer for 10 minutes and try one of these exercises.
- Create tight paragraphs
A paragraph completes three functions in this order; 1. Transition, 2. One Key Idea, 3. Development of that idea. This tested-and-tried formula will simplify your work and increase clarity and conciseness in your writing. Pick a paragraph, highlight the transition, underline the key idea (your transition may include your main idea), and italicize the remaining sentences. Ask yourself:
- Do I have a transition?
- Does my transition connect this paragraph’s key idea to the above paragraph?
- Do I have more than one key idea in my paragraph?
- If so, make a new paragraph for each key idea.
- Do the remainder of my sentences support my key idea?
- If not, move those sentences to where they belong.
- Use a reverse dictionary
A reverse dictionary allows you to search for a phrase or meaning and find the perfect word. An excellent reverse dictionary to try is Onelook (https://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml).
- Cut in half
We sometimes find ourselves producing too much text and needing to cut down or faced with cluttered text. To cut down or declutter your text, follow the steps below.
- Round 1 – Go over your text and delete one word from every sentence.
- Round 2 – Review your text and delete one sentence from every paragraph.
- Round 3 – Review your text and delete one paragraph from every section.
- Round 4 – Go over your text and delete one section from the entire piece (if you can).
You can repeat these rounds as often as necessary to achieve your desired word count or declutter your writing.
Try some of these techniques, and let me know what you think. You will be amazed at how your writing will transform.
