The writing process consists of several steps: pre-writing (reading, collecting and analysing data, thinking), drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and proofing (often with multiple loops within this process). Combining any of these steps can be false economy – they require different skills and perspectives. Editing your work as you go can block your creative process. ApproachingContinueContinue reading “Different steps in the writing process”
Category Archives: editing
Removing clutter
There are two forms of clutter – macro and micro. What I call macro clutter is content that does not contribute to the point you are making. When you review content ask yourself, does this add to the argument? If in doubt, cut it out. BUT save it first – either as an old versionContinueContinue reading “Removing clutter”
Useful references
Everyone has their favourite references. A few of my favourites: Books: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction, William Zinnser Style Manual (now online http://www.stylemanual.gov.au) Dictionary – completely underrated Websites: http://www.stylemanual.gov.au – also sign up for their newsletter which has very useful tips Vision Australia – Digital Access Blog (their training and webinarsContinueContinue reading “Useful references”
Asking for feedback
Writing well means writing with the reader in mind, and structuring your content to suit them – not necessarily you. The best way to find out whether you are meeting the needs of your potential reader is to ask for their feedback. This can be through informal or formal review processes. First, do not wasteContinueContinue reading “Asking for feedback”
It’s a dash dash dash
The hyphen (dash), en-dash (also known as en-rule), and em-dash (em-rule) have different functions. Common use of hyphens: to connect words into a single unit, e.g. short-term, long-termfor certain prefixes, e.g. counter-intelligencewhere words have different meaning with a prefix compared to without, e.g. recover v re-coverwhere a prefix creates a word with two vowels, suchContinueContinue reading “It’s a dash dash dash”
Style Guides (Part 3)
Organisational and journal style guides are often incomplete. While I recommend defaulting to a recent publication to guide you on the style requirements of a specific publication (see Style Guides (Part 1)), this does not always provide you with an understanding as to why one approach is used over another. If in doubt, I referContinueContinue reading “Style Guides (Part 3)”
Style Guides (Part 2)
Every discipline has its own language and style. From expressions or terms, to abbreviations and contractions, to capitalisations. This is not necessarily documented in a journal or organisational Style Guide. However, you can develop your own Style Guide for your discipline to ensure consistency within your own work and across your discipline. There is nothingContinueContinue reading “Style Guides (Part 2)”
Style Guides (Part 1)
Every publication has it’s own style – in terms of writing, format and content. Most organisations (including universities) and journals have a Style Guide to help authors understand what is required for publication. Style Guides cover many things; they may include requirements about structure, length, headings, citation/reference style, writing style and presentation. This ensures theContinueContinue reading “Style Guides (Part 1)”
Instructing an editor
It is important to work out what you want from the editing process. You need to consider: How feedback is provided. This can vary by editor, from handwritten mark-up on your manuscript (posted to you) to track changes in an electronic document.The level of editing you require. This may depend on whether this is theContinueContinue reading “Instructing an editor”
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