Current Issue

I'd say that revision is probably something that writers generally don't do enough of. Even I don't always do enough revision. But it’s best to revise and reread at least once or a few times, depending on how complicated and long the piece is.

As both a writer and an editor, I like details. When I’m editing someone else’s writing, I try to point out specific details that I think are working and not working. I always begin with the positive. If I like the way words are used, I let the writer know and try to explain why. If there’s a section that isn’t clear, I tell the writer why I am confused and give suggestions for how it might be changed.

In fourth grade, I learned how important details are to my writing. For example, my teacher wouldn’t let us use words like “fun” or “good.” Instead, we used descriptive words such as “exhilarating” and “fantastic.”

I try to imagine what readers will think, feel and picture when they read my writing. It is difficult to do that, so after a few hours, I come back to read what I have written. When I come back, I get a fresh view of my work. I try to be very specific and use adjectives, adverbs and verbs that will come alive in readers' imaginations. It always helps me to think from the readers’ point of view.

When it comes to my writing, I try not to look at criticism as being negative. I give my writing my best shot, but I know there’s always a way I can improve. I actually look forward to someone reading my work and telling me how I can make my writing more clear or concise. I look at comments about my writing as a chance to see what I’ve written from a different perspective.

After I finish writing, I like to go back and edit my work on my own. I also prefer to do my writing on a computer, so that I can use the grammar and spell-check tools. Next, I show my writing to my mother. She helps me make sure that my writing is clear and correct and makes sense to the reader.

First, I review the overall structure of my story. Are all the paragraphs arranged in a logical order? Next, I target specific sentences. I ask myself: Is the writing lively and engaging? Does the story have enough quotes and do they help tell the story? Does the last paragraph end the story? Finally, I reread the story again, checking to make sure all the sentences are in the correct tense and that words are spelled correctly. After making corrections on my first draft, I write a second draft. Remember: write, read, revise and repeat!

With luck you don't have to do too much revision, but there is often a lot of revision. Even the best writers need an editor because sometimes you think you've figured everything out, but you may have missed something. An editor can let you know this.