Self-Editing Strategies
1 min read
Becoming Your Own Editor
Create Distance
The most important editing technique: put your draft away for at least a few hours (ideally overnight) before revising. You can't edit what you've just written because your brain fills in gaps and corrects errors automatically.
Change the Format
- Print it out—you'll catch errors you miss on screen
- Change the font or text size to see it fresh
- Read it on a different device
Read Aloud
Reading aloud is one of the most effective editing techniques. You'll hear awkward phrasing, missing words, repetition, and rhythm problems that your eyes skip over.
Focus on Your Known Weaknesses
Every writer has recurring patterns. Maybe you overuse "however," write run-on sentences, or forget commas after introductory phrases. Keep a list of your common errors and specifically check for them.
Use Technology Wisely
Use a grammar checker for mechanical errors, a word counter for readability analysis, and a paraphrasing tool to explore clearer phrasings.