Editing

Editing is different from revising because it focuses on the specific details in grammar, style, voice, consistency, formatting, and clarity in a piece of writing. It does not deal with the addition or removal of content in the writing. Both revising and editing are essential to good writing.

Exactly what should I look for while editing?

To be a good editor, you will need to know and understand a few basic grammar rules. Check out some common errors that students make and follow these general tips for editing.

• Do not rush. The more time you take, the more mistakes you may catch.

• Do not review just once; editing is a continuous process. 

• Ask others to edit your work as well. The more eyes the better. Everyone notices different things. (You will notice that even different professors will comment on different errors in your assignments.)

• Read out loud; sometimes you may catch mistakes if you hear them.

• Take a break from editing, then go back and re-read the paper.

• Using old essays and the comments from the essay marker, compile and keep a list of the errors that you make.

For guidance on your editing process, review the Editing Process Tip Sheet.