Whether you’re a professional writer or just a writer at heart, Back to Front Editing in Writing is a technique that can help you make your writing stronger and better. By putting your characters at the center of your work, you’ll be able to see what works and what doesn’t, and make your stories more dynamic and interesting.
Line editors
Whether you are a professional editor, a neophyte writer, or a self-taught wordsmith, there are a few rules of thumb you should follow to ensure the smoothest transition from one manuscript to the next. It’s important to note that copyediting and line editing are not the same, and should be undertaken at separate stages of the writing process.
It’s a good idea to perform a line edit first and then a copy edit, as you’ll be able to spot errors faster. In addition, you’ll be able to see your work for what it is, rather than what it could be. A line edit is also a great time to look for grammatical errors, as you’ll be able to fix them before they become glaring omissions.
The most interesting part of a line edit is the fact that you get to choose what parts of your manuscript make it into the final product. This is the best way to avoid embarrassing mistakes in the final version of your work. You’ll also be able to find the most amusing errors, which you can then remedy as appropriate. And, because you’ll know what you’re working with, you’ll be able to write in a more polished fashion.
In terms of the process itself, it’s a relatively simple affair, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done a good job, while you’ll also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. And, with some luck, you might even discover a few newfound gems along the way! And, just as in life, you’ll be able to learn from your mistakes, and improve on them. Lastly, you’ll be able to glean a few words of wisdom from other writers and editors.
Proofreaders
Using the back to front editing method to proofread your writing can help you see errors that you might have missed. This technique can also help you learn how to avoid common mistakes.
To start off, make a list of the things you want to check on. Then, go through your document one sentence at a time, concentrating on each word as you read. This will help you identify grammatical and spelling errors. You should also check for punctuation marks.
You can use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature to keep track of changes made to your document. This allows you to revert to the original phrasing if necessary. It is helpful to double-check math in your documents, as well. Adding and deleting text can change the line count, which can also impact your citations.
To get the most out of your editing, you will need a quiet environment. This can be difficult if you work in an office, but you can try to find a quiet spot at home. Whether you do this in your living room or kitchen, you’ll be able to concentrate on your writing and proofreading efforts.
You can also take advantage of online resources, such as the Purdue OWL, which can help you understand grammar and citation rules. You can also use a writing handbook to reference when you’re writing.
It’s important to have a few different strategies for editing your writing. You may find that you need to make a few different passes at your document, or you may have to leave your paper alone for a while to get a better feel for it. If you’re writing for a specific audience, make sure your tone is appropriate.
You’ll also want to avoid using phrases that seem too unnecessary. You should also check quotations for citations. This helps you avoid making the same mistake over and over.
When you’re done with your proofreading, you’ll be able to focus on the next stage of your writing process, which is editing. This means you’ll be able to refine your word choice and remove distracting elements from your writing.
Rewrite in a different POV
Using a rewrite to fix a hiccup in your writing can be a daunting task. But before you start slashing your manuscript, consider the following tips to help your rewrites go smoother and your overall story tell better.
The first thing to consider is what makes a rewrite different from a regular editing pass. While the latter is a necessity, the former may be a waste of time. This is especially true if you aren’t willing to commit to your revisions. The best course of action is to sit down with a trusted friend or neophyte editor to discuss your manuscript, its strengths and weaknesses, and your overall game plan. This is a great way to avoid the pitfalls and save yourself from a headache.
The rewrite is best approached in small stages. If the rewrite is meant to showcase your talents to potential clients, you need to heed the following guidelines to ensure that your rewrite is a win. As with any other endeavor, a rewrite is a learning experience. This is especially true if your revisions are due to a client’s request. The following suggestions will help you navigate the rewrite minefield:
It is also a good idea to write a list of questions you want to ask the editor. This will give you a clearer picture of the issues your manuscript is dealing with and the appropriate responses to make sure your rewrite is a success.
The first rewrite is typically the most time consuming and the most daunting. But if you are able to churn out a few rewrites per week, you will be able to move on to the next phase of your rewrite strategy. And, if you are lucky, you might even land that book deal. For more information on rewrites and how to do them right, check out Amber Lambda’s blog and website. She is a soft sci-fi writer who writes clean YA fiction, and has free downloadable resources for writers of all ages. You can also join her Facebook group for more hints and tips.
Put people at the center of everything you write
Whether you’re writing a book, a short story or a magazine article, it’s important to put people at the center of everything you write. This will help you catch any errors in your work, and it will make you feel better about the flow of your words. If you’re not sure about how to do this, you can always ask a copyeditor or an editor at your local writer’s club. Or you can hire a writing service. This is an easy way to ensure that the writing you’ve done is as professional as possible.
You might also want to give yourself a break from editing for a while, and read a book for a few weeks. This will help you get a fresh perspective on the script, and you will be able to make edits with a fresh pair of eyes. Some writers also make changes while they’re reading, using a red pen.