Chapter 7: Editing and proof-reading

G’day! Today, we’re diving into the art of the final polish—editing and proof-reading. It’s that last crucial step that can transform your blog post from good to brilliant. A polished piece not only elevates your professionalism but also makes reading your work a more pleasurable experience. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of editing and proof-reading.

Edit ruthlessly

Alright, let’s start with editing. This isn’t just about fixing typos and commas; it’s about refining your message to ensure clarity and impact. Editing requires a scalpel, not a sledgehammer, and sometimes, less is more.

Why ruthless editing matters

Ruthless editing helps you eliminate fluff, tighten your sentences, and ensure that every word serves a purpose. It sharpens your message, improves readability, and makes your content more engaging. Plus, it shows your readers that you respect their time and want to provide the best possible experience.

How to edit ruthlessly

1. Cut the fluff: Get rid of unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences. If something doesn’t add value or advance your message, it’s gotta go.

2. Tighten your sentences: Simplify complex sentences and break up long ones. Aim for clarity and conciseness.

3. Focus on flow: Ensure that your ideas flow logically from one to the next. Use transition words and phrases to guide readers smoothly through your content.

4. Stay on point: Stick to your main message or argument. Avoid going off on tangents that might confuse or bore your readers.

Example

Consider this sentence: “In order to effectively manage your time and improve productivity, it is important to prioritise tasks and create a daily schedule.” It can be tightened to: “To manage your time and boost productivity, prioritise tasks and create a daily schedule.”

Use tools

Tools can be fantastic aids in the editing process. Programs like ProWritingAid (which, let’s be honest, is way better than Grammarly) and Hemingway can help you catch errors and improve readability. However, don’t rely solely on these tools—manual proof-reading is still crucial.

Why using tools matters

Editing tools can identify errors, awkward phrasing, and areas for improvement that you might miss. They provide objective feedback and can save you a heap of time. But remember, they’re best used as supplements, not replacements for manual editing.

Popular editing tools

1. ProWritingAid: An excellent tool that provides in-depth analysis of your writing, highlighting grammar issues, style suggestions, and even readability scores. Plus, the reports that come with it can really make a difference to your text. The reports are only available if you invest in the Premium or Premium Plus packages (the basic free package has only a few reports, but they won’t help you tone up your text and make it shine).

2. Hemingway: Helps make your writing bold and clear. It highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and adverbs, suggesting ways to improve readability.

3. Spellcheckers: Basic, but effective. Use built-in spellcheckers in your word processor or writing platform to catch simple errors.

How to use these tools effectively

1. Run your text through the tool: Paste your text into the tool and review the suggestions. Don’t accept all changes blindly—use your judgement to decide what’s useful.

2. Review flagged issues: Focus on major issues like grammar, punctuation, and readability. Address these first before tackling stylistic suggestions.

3. Refine manually: After using the tool, review your text manually. Pay extra attention to areas the tool might have missed or over-corrected.

Example

Running a paragraph through Hemingway might reveal a sentence like: “The implementation of new strategies to enhance productivity can be quite challenging.” Hemingway might suggest changing it to: “Implementing new productivity strategies can be challenging.” Clearer, right?

Get a second pair of eyes

Sometimes we’re too close to our work to see mistakes. That’s why getting a second pair of eyes—whether it’s a mate, a colleague, or a fellow writer—can be invaluable. Fresh eyes can spot errors and inconsistencies that you might have missed.

Why getting a second pair of eyes matters

Another person can provide objective feedback and catch mistakes you’ve overlooked. They can offer a different perspective, highlight confusing sections, and suggest improvements. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure your content is polished and professional.

How to get a second pair of eyes

1. Choose the right person: Pick someone who can provide honest and constructive feedback. It could be a friend, a colleague, or someone from your writing community.

2. Be specific: Let them know what kind of feedback you’re looking for. Do you want them to focus on grammar, clarity, flow, or overall impact?

3. Be open to criticism: Don’t take feedback personally. Use it as an opportunity to improve your work.

Example

After finishing a draft, ask a colleague, “Can you take a look at this post and let me know if it flows well and if there are any grammar issues?” Their feedback might reveal awkward phrasing or unclear sections you hadn’t noticed.

Read aloud

Reading your post aloud is a fantastic way to catch awkward phrasing, errors, and areas where the flow might be off. It’s a simple but effective trick that helps ensure your writing is smooth and engaging.

Why reading aloud matters

Reading aloud forces you to slow down and pay closer attention to each word and sentence. It helps you identify areas where your writing might stumble or sound unnatural. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your content flows well and is easy to understand.

How to read aloud effectively

1. Read slowly and clearly: Take your time and read each sentence carefully. Pay attention to how it sounds and feels.

2. Listen for awkwardness: Notice any sections that feel awkward or clunky. These might be areas where you need to smooth out the phrasing or clarify your meaning.

3. Mark areas for revision: As you read, mark any sections that need improvement. Go back and revise these areas after your read-through.

Example

While reading aloud, you might stumble over a sentence like: “It is essential that you always ensure your content is engaging and relevant to your audience.” It can be revised to: “Ensure your content is always engaging and relevant to your audience.”

Additional editing tips

Let’s go over a few more tips to ensure your editing and proof-reading process is top-notch.

Take breaks

After finishing your draft, take a break before editing. A little distance can give you a fresh perspective and help you catch more errors.

Print it out

Reading a printed version of your post can help you spot errors you might miss on a screen. Plus, it’s easier to mark up a physical copy with notes and corrections.

Use a checklist

Create a checklist of common issues to look out for during editing. This might include grammar mistakes, passive voice, consistency in style, and clarity of message.

Example checklist items

• Check for spelling and grammar errors
• Ensure sentences are clear and concise
• Verify facts and references
• Maintain consistent tone and style
• Improve readability and flow

Common editing and proof-reading pitfalls

Let’s look at some common pitfalls to avoid during editing and proof-reading.

Over-editing

It’s possible to edit too much. Over-editing can strip your writing of its natural voice and make it feel mechanical. Aim for clarity and conciseness, but don’t lose your unique style.

Ignoring feedback

Don’t dismiss feedback out of hand, even if it’s critical. Constructive criticism can be a goldmine for improvement. Be open to suggestions and willing to make necessary changes.

Relying solely on tools

While tools are helpful, don’t rely on them exclusively. They can miss subtle errors and nuances that only a human reader can catch. Use tools as a supplement, not a crutch.

Example

If an editing tool suggests removing all adverbs, don’t just blindly follow it. Adverbs can add nuance and emphasis. Use your judgment to decide which changes improve the text and which should be ignored.

Finalising your post

Once you’ve edited and proof-read your post, it’s time to finalise it. Make sure it’s polished, professional, and ready for publication.

How to finalise your post effectively

1. Do a final read-through: Give your post one last read-through to catch any remaining errors and ensure everything flows smoothly.

2. Check formatting: Ensure your formatting is consistent and professional. This includes headings, bullet points, fonts, and spacing.

3. Verify links and references: Make sure all links work and that references are accurate. Broken links and incorrect citations can undermine your credibility.

4. Prepare for publication: Upload your post to your blog platform, add relevant tags and categories, and optimise it for SEO.

Example

Before publishing, double-check that all headings are correctly formatted, all links are functional, and your SEO elements (like meta descriptions and keywords) are in place.

Conclusion

Editing and proof-reading are the final steps that can elevate your blog post from good to brilliant. By editing ruthlessly, using tools wisely, getting a second pair of eyes, and reading aloud, you ensure your content is polished and professional. Remember to take breaks, print out your work, use a checklist, and avoid common pitfalls. Finalise your post with a thorough read-through, and you’re ready to publish.

So, grab a cuppa, sharpen your red pen (or fire up your editing tools), and give your blog post the final polish it deserves.

Cheers!