It's Not Over Until You Edit

Dr. Karen Brown Dunlap always reminds students that the writing process isn't over until you edit. "Most of us forget the last step and don't enjoy it when we do remember it," says Dunlap, co-author of the book The Effective Editor.

Dunlap, Poynter dean and faculty member, offers a list of tips and questions that will help you work through the editing process.

1. Read your piece out loud. See if it flows.
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2. Put a check by each fact. These are items you have rechecked for accuracy.
   
   
3. Box every name for accuracy and spelling.
   
   
4. Put "SP" by any word with questionable spelling. Be sure you've checked the spelling of all words.
   
   
5. Circle verbs. Ask yourself if you're using the most active verb.
   
   
6. Put a strike through adverbs. See if you can replace adverbs with a stronger verb.
   
   
7. Draw an arrow from subjects to verbs. Make sure there is agreement. How far apart is the subject from the verb? Can you get them closer together?
   
   
8. Draw a dotted line from pronouns to antecedents. If you write the word "it," what is "it"?
   
   
9. Examine your sentences. Enhance your piece by using strong words at the beginnings and ends of sentences. Check to see if your sentences are too long.
   
   
10. Use strong leads and kickers. Does your lead draw someone to read further? Does your closing reiterate the main point?