The Four Stages of Editing

First Reading (Verbal):

—Author will read the ¶(s) aloud.  “Subject” will listen for accuracy and continuity and, when needed, make suggestions, either orally or directly on the paper.

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—Accuracy: As you, the “subject,” listen to the ¶, try to pick up on which pieces of information are absolutely essential, which may need elaboration, which might be eliminated, and so on.  Make sure this reflects you honestly. 

 

       Second Reading (Verbal):

 

—Continuity:

·Do the details logically flow?  If they do not, what other arrangement/order would get the job done better? 

·What final impression of the writer does the end of the ¶ make?  At the end, if the writing just seems to fade away, suggest a more solid conclusion. 

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—Details, details:

·Provide a title which ties in with the information.  If no title yet exists, make a suggestion; it should not merely be the subject’s name! 

·Incorporate a direct quotation (word, phrase, sentence—anything).  You do not need to limit yourself to just one.

 

  Third Reading (Silent): 

—Creativity and word choice:

·Does the writing capture your attention, even with the opening sentence? 

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·Circle the first word of each sentence: see any patterns?  If there are too many “He’s” or “She’s,” or the subject’s name begins every other sentence, suggest ways to work around this ineffective repetition. 

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·Box each verb: see any patterns?  Suggest strong, specific verbs to replace generic ones; make sure the verbs are in the same tense throughout.

 

Fourth Reading (Silent):

 

         What sentences could use more substance? (are there really short sentences that could be combined with parallel structure?)

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—What sentences are overpacked and go on too long?

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—Is there any passive voice in the piece? How can you flip it?

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—Any other examples of redundancy? One word being repeated too often?