Proofreading and Editing Series

In Part 2 of this series the focus shifts from what proofreading and editing are to us, the writers. Every author has a particular genre or style of writing, which s/he engages in most often. This may be comedy, horror, non-fiction, poetry, or many other varieties and combinations.

I am reasonably sure each of you has done some form of proofreading or editing of your own writing-regardless of how in-depth you were. Likewise, I'll guess you may have read other authors and reviewed their writing, even if silently to yourself. Now, by reviewed I mean giving written thoughts or suggestions of your own about the novel or story you read.

Below is a listing of the most general aspects of writing typically proofread for or edited in an author's work. Keep in mind; this is not a complete list, merely the more common and often most overlooked by us with regard to our own writing.

Spelling

Grammar

Punctuation

Typographical Errors

Overuse of -ly words

Use/Overuse of Clichés

Wording Redundancy

Passive versus Active Voice

The above are components of 'modern' writing publishers keep an eye out for. Some of these aspects, or 'errors', can still be found in the work of 'famous' authors today. The critical component that must be present in our writing, however, is called 'showing'. In today's publishing world, writers need to show the reader who the characters are, what the plot is, and where the events are taking place. Publishers and readers don't want to be told everything, they want to be allowed to formulate some ideas and conclusions for themselves

Let's take a look at some errors that may or may not be caught when proofreading our own writing. Once again, keep in mind these examples will in no way cover everything. Think of them as 'food-for-thought' and enjoy the little cliché.

Use or Used:

My College Writing instructor harped to us while I was in her class a couple years ago, "Use 'used' if you're writing in past tense."

Correct form: My daughter used to like grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

Incorrect: My daughter use to like grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

The word THAT:

Read and re-read any sentences with the word 'that' used within it. Often, 'that' can be removed without adverse affect on the sentence.

Not Needed: I'm sure that you agree with what I'm saying.

Better: I'm sure you agree with what I'm saying.

Active/Passive

Subjects perform the action; versus subject receive the effect of the action.

Active: The clown entertained the kids.

Passive: The kids were entertained by the clown.

Read through some of the writing you've done, let's say in the last year. I wonder if you might find any examples of the above-mentioned 'errors', which could be edited out of your work.

Previously in the Series:

Proofreading and Editing Series Part 1

Next in the Series:

Proofreading and Editing Series Part 3