Revision Tips for Flawless Writing

Tips to Use when Revising Writing to Achieve a Flawless Piece

Alyssa Ast
Revising writing is a crucial aspect of being a writer. Mistakes can often slip through unnoticed, even when they have been proof read. Even the greatest editors and writers can have a typo, missing comma, or missing word slip by. There are a few writing tips that can be used to decrease the chances of this happening during the revision process.

1. Spell Check
Although it can probably go unsaid, it is important to use spell check when revising work. Spell check can catch most of the spelling mistakes in a writing piece. Although spell check is very useful, it can not catch all the mistakes when revising writing. It is very important to proof read along with spell check.

2. Read Aloud
When revising a writing piece, it is very helpful to read the writing aloud. You often read slower when you read aloud and are less likely to skim over a mistake. Reading aloud can help you catch mistakes that you have made. You can also listen to the flow of the sentences and if the piece makes sense.

3. Print the Piece
It is often helpful when revising writing to print the writing piece out. This gives you a different look at the writing. You can have an easier time finding mistakes on a paper then on a computer screen. Printing off a writing piece gives you a better look at what the final product will be, allowing you to see if you have made a successful writing piece.

4. Take a Break
Often, after starring at the same writing piece for a long time, your view of the work can become distorted. You can loose the ability to see the work for what it actually is. If this is the case, it is a good idea to take a break for a few minutes and then come back and revise the writing piece. This is very helpful when proof reading for mistakes.

5. Revision Partners
Having a revision partner to help you edit a writing piece is very helpful. A revision partner can find mistakes you did not see. When we write a piece, a concept can often make sense to the writer, but may not always make sense to the reader. This is where having a revision partner comes in hardy. They can tell you whether or not the writing piece makes sense and if the concepts come across clearly.

6. Check List
Creating a check list of common mistakes you make is very helpful when revising work. If you are aware of common mistakes you make, create a list. When you are revising your writing piece, go down the check list and mark off each common mistake as you move through the piece of writing. This will also improve your writing skills if you are able to clearly see your weaknesses in writing and learn to improve them.

Every one has their own revision techniques when it comes to writing. What are some of the techniques you use when revising a writing piece?

Published by Alyssa Ast

Alyssa Ast is a freelance writer, journalist, and author of The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe. Alyssa is the co-founder of the WM Network, which includes the WM Freelance Writer's Connection.  View profile

4 Comments

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  • amanda peel8/28/2009

    Great Article, I never thought about reading my article out loud when I'm reading over it

  • Linda M. McCloud8/21/2009

    Very helpful.

  • A. J. Kramer8/17/2009

    Good article (and not one typo!) I like your tips, but the hardest part for me is actually doing them!

  • Sophie S8/16/2009

    These are great tips, Alyssa. I asked my husband to read over and edit an article I wrote yesterday. Although he reminded me that I was the "English major" he still did a good job in being my second pair of eyes. Sometimes, that's all a writer needs - just another set of eyes to look over their work.
    Sophie

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