|
DIY Guide: how to proofread and edit an essay
One of the most overlooked steps, I believe, is also the most important step. When possible, give your writing at least 48 hours to cool down. In other words, leave it alone and don’t read it for at least a couple of days. Get going on something else. Try to forget about it. Then, after a few days, you will read with fresh eyes and you will notice how your perfect masterpiece is peppered with little flaws you just couldn’t see because you were initially too close. The brain has a way of glossing-over small errors, filling in gaps, anticipating what you expect to be there; that’s why the time away is important; your brain has forgotten what is there – word for word – and is more able to locate errors.
Ask someone impartial to read your document; other people are able to highlight murky areas or ideas that maybe don’t come across as clearly as you’d like. Be careful, though; friends don’t like breaking your heart by pointing out your shortcomings; they may not be comfortable giving harsh truths.
So, to recap:
• Make sure you have finished
• Give each paragraph a heading (in a new document)
• Organise these headings into a logical order
• Transpose this order to the master document
• Read it out loud
• Re-word/prune unsatisfactory sentences
• Zoom out to check spacing, sizing, font, fount, sizing, consistency
• Zoom in: check for spelling, typos and consistency
• Read backwards
• Cool off time
• Final read
• Ask someone else for honest feedback
It is important to present your writing to the best of your ability. Many study programmes will not tolerate sloppy grammar, poor English or bad presentation.
Proofreading and copy-editing are specialised skills. If possible, give your work to a professional proofreader or copy-editor. A professional is able to read with a detached eye and intervene as heavily or as lightly as you want. If you feel you don’t have the time or inclination to do this yourself, contact me here for a free quote. Proofreading is affordable.
For a free no-obligation quote contact me here.
 
|