Writing Revision How to Fix Mistakes in Your Writing

Editing for Mechanics

Now that we have discussed editing for content, let's discuss editing for mechanics. In our interview scenario, this is similar to our noticing a stain on our shirt or slippers on our feet. It really doesn't have to deal with our understanding of the topic, but looks do matter. If mistakes that are simple to correct, like wearing appropriate shoes, are ignored, it makes people pause and wonder just how much time and effort you spent on the content. We often hear the phrase 'don't judge a book by its cover' and while that is really nice to hear, it just simply isn't the case. In fact, there is a reason why books we find in stores and online have such pretty covers. Taking care of the mechanics allows the reader to take their time with our content and truly read what we wanted to convey.

There are three areas we are going to look at when it comes to mechanics.

• Spelling and grammar: Spelling and grammar are intrinsically tied together in the English language for a number of reasons. The first is our extensive number of heterographs. Heterographs are words that are pronounced the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings. This includes words such as two, too and to; there, their and they're; site, cite; four, for; right, rite and even bare, bear. Heterographs can be hard to see at times when editing because the word is spelled correctly, just the wrong word was used. So, you might not get the benefit of the lovely, red underline alerting you to a problem. In addition to spelling, you need to edit for comma errors, proper tense, correct punctuation and the other rules of the English language.
• Proper citing of sources: You need to ensure that you always cite your sources properly. This helps to avoid plagiarism, in addition to being a universally accepted, ethical practice.
• Parameters set within the assignment: This includes such things as page length, number of sources, organization style (like APA or MLA) and any other requirements set forth for the assignment.

Self Editing Rules

When it comes to self editing, there are three general rules that allow the practice to go as smoothly as possible.

• Set time aside for editing. If you are writing a timed essay, make sure that you set aside some time for editing. You should budget at 10-15% of your allotted time for editing.
• If time allows, spend a couple of minutes away from your piece before editing. The brain is a powerful muscle that can sometimes see what we intended to write instead of what is actually on the paper. Have you ever quickly looked over a paper after writing it and found no error, only to look at it five minutes before handing it in, only to see one, two or more errors glaring right before your eyes? That is because your brain knew what you meant to write, and that is what your eyes saw immediately after you finished your paper.
• Try reading aloud and backward. Reading your paper aloud allows you to stop seeing what you intended to write and hear what is actually on the paper. It allows you to more easily check for the proper flow and experience the level of difficulty it will take to read your paper smoothly. This process helps with editing for content. Reading your paper backward allows you to see each word. This process helps most with spelling, word choice, grammar and overall mechanics.