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There's a lot you can do to edit your own book, chapter, paper, brief, essay and so on. And it's pretty straight forward stuff. Nothing complicated or magical. But before we get too far into the process, I want you to know that there is definitely a secret objective when you edit your book. It's secret only because no one wants to hear about it. They prefer to think book editors have some sort of magical power that turns rubbish into rubies or dreadful into diamonds. The secret? That's easy. When you know how to write your book, your objective is to make the material that's already there, more readable, more appealing, more understandable and more inviting to the reader. That's it, that's all. That's the big goal that every editor chases when they sit before a manuscript. How is it done? Well, there are a lot of techniques and strategies, but the most powerful tactic is, after you write your book, to omit needless words. I'll say that again: Omit Needless Words. In short, if there's a word in the sentence that can be removed without damaging the thought, it should be removed. If you'll do that, and just that, you'll dramatically improve your writing. And it can be done in a step-by-step fashion so it becomes even easier. Let's get started. Most people think of editing right on the hard copy, paper and ink, with pen in hand. Okay, feel free to do that. Personally, I like to use the computer screen. I have to change the markings a little, but the process is much less tiring than sitting hunched over a stack of paper at the desk. Also, if you make the changes on the screen, they're made. No one has to re-enter the material you've just edited. But that's your choice. Here is some insight into my editing style. I never just make the change on the screen. If I do that it looks like nothing has been done (specifically, it looks like I haven't done any work). I always block out the word or words I want removed, and put a strikethrough line on them. The new words I want to use are typed in bold. Now my customer, client, or student knows I've actually been working on the page and that the suggested change has been made. As a courtesy, after I've done all my editing, I'll block and copy the entire edited manuscript, paste it below the original I worked on, and then remove all words I want to delete as well as the bold font selection. The first version has all the editing marks on it, so the customer can see the work done, the second version right below it has all the editing done so it looks like a clean copy. Now the editing... First, I search the document for the word 'that.' I've found that about 75% of the time this word can be eliminated without changing the thought of the sentence. Next comes the word 'then.' Get rid of it if you can. While we're on the topic of 'that,' we must go which hunting. I'm amazed at the number of times people use which instead of that, or vice versa. Use the word 'which' when you start a parenthetical statement. Sorry, I've always wanted to say something pretentious like that. I'll explain. If the information is essential, you begin the phrase with 'that.' If it's nice to have but it's not that important, then it follows a comma and 'which.' Here's a simple example: "The lawn mower that is in my garage must be cleaned." And, "the lawn mower, which is in my garage, must be cleaned." In the first sentence, I'm talking about the lawnmower that is in my garage. No other lawn mower, just the one in my garage. In the second sentence the lawn mower that must be cleaned is in my garage, by the way, just in case you have trouble finding it. If the information is essential, it's part of the main thought of the sentence and is introduced by 'that.' If it's 'oh, by the way,' stuff we use a comma (that starts the parenthetical statement) and the word 'which.' The next editing task usually makes grade 8 English teachers freak out. Search for the two letters 'ly' and you'll find most of the adverbs in your work. An adverb modifies a verb. He didn't just run, he ran quickly. Remove the adverbs. If you think they really help (sorry), if you think they help your story, remove them and use a better verb. Get rid of the adverbs. Don't forget to do a search for 'ly.' as well. Adverbs can turn up at the end of a sentence, frequently. Okay, time for the weasel words. Usually, nearly, barely. These words give you an out because you're too weak to take a stand. "She usually gave him money," is weak compared to "She gave him money." If she always gave him money, use the word always, otherwise, don't try to cover two bases at the same time. Many weasel words end with 'ly,' but be wary of 'often' and 'seems.' Geez, I'm running out of time, here. Okay, one more. If words, phrases or entire sentences can be removed without affecting the work, then remove them. Do a quick word count before you begin. Your goal is to have 10 per cent fewer words than when you started... and watch your writing get better and better. dissertation
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