How to edit your edits
5 - Brand Storytelling Best Practices
In this class, I cover self-editing, particularly for those without access to an editor. As a dyslexic writer, I've faced unique challenges in my writing career and have developed effective self-editing habits over the years, both with the help of dyslexic-specific editors, as well as business editors I've worked with along the way.
Self-editing tips and techniques
Give yourself space
- Take a break before editing!
- Clear your mind for at least five minutes or work on something else before coming back to your article
Use technology
- Grammarly: Use it as a guide but review suggestions carefully!
- In-app spellcheckers: A crucial first step in the editing process
- Hemingway App: Identifies errors and assesses readability
Peer reviews
- Seek feedback from colleagues or friends
- Additional eyes can catch overlooked errors and offer fresh perspectives, even if it's just a paragraph you're struggling with
Change your device
- Edit on a different device for a new perspective or background. EG: Go from your laptop to a handheld device.
- Spot mistakes more effectively, especially for mobile readability
Change background, font, and font size
- Visual changes can aid comprehension
- Try different background colors or fonts
- There's a great plug-in for this called Magic Rainbow Unicorns
Skim first, then deep read
- Allow yourself to skim initially, the mind wants to do it!
- Follow up with a more thorough, deep read for content improvement
Leave yourself comments and suggestions
- Edit your work as if it were someone else's
- Provide explanations for changes to enhance self-learning
Read aloud or use text-to-speech tools
- Listen to your work for flow and errors
- Identify mistakes that may have been missed visually
- This is especially great for dyslexics!
Each of these self-editing tactics can support the four editing phases every piece of work should go through:
The four editing phases
1. Structural Flow
- Assess the logical flow of your work
- Consider heading placement and overall organization
2. Line Edits
- Review sentence structure and clarity
- Avoid repetitive language or ideas
3. Copy Edits
- Focus on style and grammar rules
- Ensure consistency in your writing style
4. Proofreading
- The final check for any overlooked errors
- Polish your work for publication
That's a wrap! Remember, don't rush to proofreading; prioritize structural flow, line edits, and copy edits to significantly improve your work's quality.
In the next lesson, we will explore common edits to watch for in your own writing, based on my experience as a content lead at a previous agency, as well as the editing hours I've put into DSLX.
See you in the next lesson!
Lesson Resources
A good read on the four stages of editing:
- The Four Steps of Editing: Owlcation
Tools to use: