Editing Tips for Writers

Let’s take a look at this quote… 

First, find what it means to you and then carry on with the rest of this post.

There are a million ways to dissect this quote and analyze how others perceive it. However, there is one thing that is fundamentally true any way you look at it. Editing is a very important step of the writing process. There is no way around it. Without proper editing even a ‘good’ book can appear bad. Now, if you are someone who wishes to improve their editing techniques here are a few places to start!

Less is more!

Filler words are never a good idea. Find what you are trying to say and use the least amount of words to properly get your point across. For example: There are many people who write — Many people write.

Avoid weak verbs.

Use visceral verbs or verbs that express action over weak verbs. For example:

Find out — Discover

He went to Italy — He traveled to Italy

Avoid weak adjectives.

Be mindful when using words like ‘really’ and ‘very’. There are always better alternatives. For example:

Really good – Great

Very big – Huge

Don’t introduce unnecessary words.

Why use a weak word when a stronger verb or adjective is available? 

Give your post a proofread — Proofread your post (verb form)

He shows signs of carelessness — He is careless (adjective form)

You can find a lot of programs to help you edit as well, but that is a whole other post! Never be afraid to continue to educate yourself on your writing. There are so many outlets looking to  help you. Including us!

So follow us along your literary journey and we will learn together!

Happy Editing!

Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Being A Writer

Some say it is good to be scared every now and then. It can push you towards your goals, and allows you to think from a different perspective. Now this doesn’t have to be jump-out-of your-skin kind of scared. It can be a personal vulnerability in your writing, such as being afraid to write something new or expressing a different opinion. However, in most cases that fear is holding you back. I encourage you to get out of your own head and do something that scares you! You only have one life to live, make sure you live it up to YOUR highest potential. 

Gain Your Voice

Do it for you and the rest will follow! Don’t be so hung up on being heard. You write for yourself after all, because you enjoy it. When you put all your work into a piece and you share it with the world, believe in yourself. Believe that you wrote something worth the time to read and people will read it!

Do the best that you can, and it will show. Your voice will be heard when the time is right. But in the meantime keep writing and keep trying to be the best that you can be!

Read some more of our post for writing inspiration, and writing advice!

Be Open to Feedback and Criticism 

As a writer, it is important to be open to feedback and criticism. While it can be difficult to hear negative feedback about your work, it is an essential part of the writing process and can help you to improve your skills and grow as a writer. Improving your Writing Skills: One of the biggest…

Write about What you Know

Writing about what you know can be a powerful and rewarding experience for any writer. Improved authenticity: One of the biggest benefits of writing about what you know is that it can help to create a sense of authenticity in your work. By drawing on your own experiences and knowledge, you can create work that…

Set aside time for Self-Care as a Writer 

Writing can be a demanding and emotionally draining process, and it is important to take breaks and recharge in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed and burnt out.  Avoid burnout! One of the biggest benefits of self-care for writers is that it can help to prevent burnout. Writing can be an intense and demanding process, and…

Happy Monday!