Editing If you feel confident that your ideas are all on the page, it may be time to assess your sentences, word choice, and sentence structure. Does it come across the way you want, and does it have your desired effect on the reader? Line editing is distinct from revision because at this point of the writing process, the majority of the content and structure has been established. Main ideas are in the order you want them in. This is the stage where you can assess if the words “flow.” By slowing down and examining each of your sentences line by line, you can shape your writing to meet your goals and communicate with your audience creatively and effectively. • Line editing is a process that can be done both individually and in a group. You may find working in a group can help you see a new perspective on ways to turn a phrase or reorder sentences. • Although there are no absolutes in ways one must write, you might consider using a style guide and spell checker at this stage. (see Style Guide section on page 62). • Come back with fresh eyes. It can be helpful to take time away from a piece and come back to editing later with a new perspective. This enables you to consider edits from a viewpoint that’s more akin to a reader rather than your inner-mind as a writer. Editing Line-by-Line Exercise . • Read the whole paper—preferably out loud. » Ask yourself if the paragraphs are in the best order. Which is the most intriguing/interesting? Which order best meets your goals for the piece? » Rearrange your ideas, if necessary. • Re-read over the first paragraph. » Ask yourself if the sentences are in the best order. » Rearrange the sentences if you want. • Now read the first sentence out loud. » Ask yourself how it sounds. Is there anything that could be changed to more effectively communicate what you are trying to say? Are the piece’s tone and style working with the information they are attempting to convey? Are there any changes that need to be made to “fix” the grammar or conform to a style guide if using one? • Now re-read the sentence. Do you like the changes? • When satisfied with the sentence move on to the next until you’ve finished the paragraph. • Repeat until you’ve line-edited the whole piece! Editing sentence-by-sentence is a time-consuming process, but the rewards are plentiful. You will have a new understanding of how your words are actually landing with an audience. Good work.
52 | The Evergreen State College | Writing Center
