Become your own best editor: read aloud

A reader asked about editing your own writing this week, so I'll share my "read it aloud" process.

Here it is:

1. If the writing's been commissioned, I start the editing process by rereading my proposal, to make sure that the writing has covered what I promised to cover. If I've written from a client or an editor's brief, I go through the printed brief and mark items off.

Once I'm sure I've covered everything, I can focus on the editing.

2. Next I read the writing ALOUD. You can pick up repetitions, awkward phrasing, and transitional gaps when you read aloud. With long pieces, like a book, I'll print it out and then I'll record each chapter.

When I'm reading aloud/ recording, I read straight through the piece of writing without stopping. I want to try to read it as someone else would.

3. On the next read-through, I mark areas for deletion, rewording, and areas where I need to elaborate or add material.

4. I delete/ add/ rephrase.

5. Finally, I read it aloud again. At this final stage, I tinker with word choices, reading sections aloud until they sound OK.

Trying reading your writing aloud during your editing process. It helps.

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