4 Tips for Stress-Free Editing

By Keisha Smith
Online Career Tips Staff

Editing is one of the most important parts of the writing process. A good edit can make a bad article good, or a great article fantastic.

With that said, editing carries lots of pressure that could easily become a daunting and stressful task each time you reach for your red pen (or, turn on “Track Changes“).

How do you diffuse the angst? Consider these helpful tips:

• Know Your Stuff. You can’t expect anyone to take your corrections and feedback seriously if you don’t know the basic do’s and don’ts of grammar. Grammar rules and writing standards are bending and changing all the time. It’s important to stay ahead of that curve. So, be sure to have the latest edition of the style/grammar manual you love at your fingertips.
• Be direct.  Although the nature of editing is a bit confrontational, it’s important that the writer trusts that you have a clear point of view. Don’t be vague or wishy-washy with your feedback or proposed changes because you fear there will be misunderstandings or hurt feelings. A writer worth his or her salt knows that this is part of the process and welcomes all critiques “the good, bad and ugly”. In the end, it only makes for a better writer.
• Think of Yourself as a Writing Coach. Some editors become drunk with the power that the red pen evokes. Don’t fall into that trap. Resist the urge to do instant rewrites when you feel the writer is being unclear in what he or she is attempting to convey. Not only does that change the writer’s voice, but it also stunts growth and development of skill.  Also, take the time to be encouraging. Editing is not always finding what’s wrong. At times, it’s revealing and identifying a writer’s strengths.
• Be Open to Have Dialogue. Writing is such a subjective art. There really isn’t a completely wrong or right way of grouping words to tell a story. If you find there’s resistance to your changes, be open to have that discussion. Explain your reasons. Listen to the writer’s concerns. Then, together come to a compromise that benefits all.

[Writing Tips from One Writer to Another…]