Once the draft of a manuscript, a story, a blog–any kind of writing–is completed, it must be revised. Ruthlessly, and up to eight times or more. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to leave the work in a drawer for some time. The longer the better. Then when you return to it, it will look like someone else's work. Some of your writing will amaze you with its flair. Some might grate.
In
brief:
—Read pages aloud. If it feels like a tongue twister, make it easier to say.
—Working your manuscript is like pumping iron. With repetition, you develop editing muscle.
—Some people think that using long complex words makes them appear better writers. This is not always the case. Of course, less familiar words have their place. As do new words.
Language is continually evolving; it is the nature of the beast. Have a look at the wordspy website for new words like 'afflufemza' 'Christmas creep' and 'cot potato'.
—Check your work for logical inconsistencies. We have seen some odd and illogical things occur in manuscripts, but the author did not realise or forgot. For example, a character might dive into a river and get very cold and wet. That character cannot be warm and dry two minutes later, unless we see them towelling themselves dry or changing. So a few simple words need to be added. We have also seen things disappear (some as large as horses), but they reappear miraculously shortly afterwards. Watch out for the literary poltergeist!
On The Word Story's editorial advice:
'Allthis editing is a bt painful but it's defianlteynworth it' (LB).
'Thanks for your critical comments. They were very much appreciated by both my supervisors. We are in the process of completing a...report to be submitted to the...government' (MB).
'Anna is more than a communicator, wordsmith or editor. She is an integral part of my business when i comes to converting ideas into opportunities and proposals into deals' (AG).
'Anna is the ultimate professional–not only because of the magical way she places the right words in the right places, but also because of her passion towards every other aspect of her craft' (LB).
'Many thanks for your hard work on our book, and the interesting chat on politics' (TP).
'Thanks, you are crystal clear.' (LM).
