How to Edit One's Own Writing

Whatever you write, whether it's an email, a newspaper article, a magazine article or a letter, you should edit your writing before sending or submitting it. Editing can take as long as writing, but the result is worth it. Instead of having an unpolished work, you have something that will be worth that extra effort.

Instructions

1. Start with a spell check. Most computer programs will check your spelling. If you are writing your document in a word processor, you can set your spell check to check not only your spelling but also your grammar. The grammar check catches things like passive voice as well as noun and verb agreement.

2. Make the appropriate changes that the spell check picks up and then check that your work still makes sense. Check carefully for words that are real words but may be misused, such as "there" and "their."

3. Read your work carefully and make sure that it is what you want to say. You may have gotten off the subject, or you may not be happy with some of your writing and may want to phrase it differently.

4. Check your punctuation and see if any of it is incorrect. Spell check will pick up some punctuation. Always verify what spell check tells you--it isn't always right.

5. Read your work again. After you make all the changes, read your work a final time before sending or submitting it.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your work out loud. What sounds good when you write it can sound different when you read it aloud. So take the time to read it aloud and be sure it still sounds right.