But, as boring as that job could be, it also taught me a few valuable processes that I still use today.
One thing I learned from the process of proofreading = focusing on one thing at a time.
For instance, a good proofreader will go through an entire manuscript focusing only on headings and subheadings. Are they in the right font? Are they all indented consistently? etc.
I use a similar approach to revision.
I read through the entire manuscript looking for only one element to revise.
Some examples:
- Focus on consistency of point of view (This is a biggie. It's VERY easy to jump out of point of view and you might miss it if you aren't totally focused on that particular element of the writing.)
- Focus on unnecessary words, sentences, paragraphs, etc. (Eliminate anything that doesn't advance the story, reveal character or enhance setting. Don't be word drunk, as Donald Murray calls it.)
- Watch out for overused words. We all have our darlings to kill. Mine happen to be: now, then, and every now and then. (And remember to use the features of your word processing program - like SEARCH. If you think you may be overusing a word, search for it.)
- Watch for sentences, paragraphs, scenes or even characters that repeat or serve the same purpose. (Resist the urge to repeat yourself - whether it's words or ideas.)
2 comments:
I used to write benefits summaries, policies and procedures and employee handbooks. Good times.
My darlings are "just" and "always."
Thank you for this reminder. I just finished revisions, but used your handy list to give it the once...I mean twice over...whew.
When I wrote my book, Beyond Retelling, I reread it for revision and edited it following this over 20 times following this advice. My dad is an editor for a college newspaper. He also read it 3 times. My mom did too. Then we sent it to the "real" editor. She said it was the cleanest script she has received in a long time. www.debrennersmith.com
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