Hey there, fellow writers! If you’ve ever poured your heart out on a piece of paper or a blank screen, then you know just how difficult it can be to edit your work. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned veteran, editing is an essential part of the writing process. After all, nobody wants to present a piece of writing riddled with errors, inconsistencies, and other mistakes. In this post, we’re going to cover some of the key editing dos and don’ts to help you refine your work and craft your best piece yet!

Do Take a Break 🌴

No matter how eager you are to get your work out into the world, make sure you take a break before editing it. If you don’t, then you’ll be more likely to overlook issues that you would have otherwise caught if you’d allowed your mind to rest and reset. Furthermore, giving yourself a break allows you to approach your work with fresh eyes and a clearer mind. So walk away for a little while, and come back to your work when you’re feeling refreshed and ready to tackle it.

A person sitting outside, taking a break while sipping on a cold drink

Don’t Over-Edit 🚫

While it’s important to edit your work carefully, make sure you don’t overdo it. If you try to edit every word and sentence to perfection, you could end up removing a lot of the personality and voice that makes your writing unique. Instead of nitpicking every little detail, focus on the bigger picture. Make sure your writing is clear, concise, and consistent, but don’t spend so much time second-guessing every word that you lose sight of your unique style.

A cartoon of a person with a pencil erasing too much of their writing until it's all gone

Do Read Aloud 🗣️

One of the best ways to catch errors and inconsistencies in your writing is to read it aloud. By doing so, you’ll be able to hear how your writing flows and pinpoint any areas that still need work. When you read aloud, you can also get a better sense of how your words might sound to readers. This step is especially important if you plan on reading your work aloud or sharing it in any other way.

A person reading a book out loud to themselves

Don’t Ignore Feedback 🙉

When someone provides feedback on your work, it can be hard to hear. However, it’s essential to listen to others’ opinions and take their advice into account. Of course, not all feedback is helpful, but even criticism can offer valuable insights into areas that need work. Even if you don’t agree with all the feedback you receive, make sure you consider it before making any final changes to your writing.

A group of people sitting in a circle, discussing a piece of writing

Do Use Tools 🛠️

There are plenty of tools available to help you edit your work more effectively. For example, grammar-checking software can catch errors that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Other tools can evaluate your writing’s tone, readability, and overall effectiveness. While these tools should never replace your personal editing process, they can certainly be valuable resources for refining your work.

A person using a computer with various editing tools visible on the screen

Don’t Rush 🏃

Finally, make sure you don’t rush the editing process. Take your time, read carefully, and consider your work from different angles. It’s through careful editing that your writing can truly shine. So don’t skimp on the process or try to rush to the finish line. Instead, take your time and be thorough in your editing.

A person looking at a piece of paper intently, focusing on the words and the details

Editing your work effectively can be a challenge, but it’s one that all writers must face. By following these dos and don’ts and being intentional in your editing process, you can create writing that truly stands out. So take a break, read aloud, listen to feedback, and use the tools available to you. But most importantly, take your time and enjoy the process of refining your work. Happy editing!

A person holding a finished piece of writing, looking proud of their work