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How can I get better at editing?

I love writing and reading very much; however, I really need help when it comes to expanding my knowledge of editing my writing. How can I achieve that? Additionally, some tips on improving grammar could also be helpful.

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Thank you comment icon Hi Theresa. The magazine Writer's Digest publishes lots of useful information for people who want to become better writers. They deal with both fiction and non-fiction. Go to writersdigest.com and enter a search term, like "improve grammar," and you'll find much that's useful. Don't overlook services and resources offered by your school. Many colleges have free writing centers where a staff member can work with you to achieve your goals. Pasquale Russo
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I'll check it out Theresa
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Theresa. One helpful tip is to separate writing from editing. When you write, just focus on your ideas and don't worry about mistakes. After you finish, just take a break, maybe a few hours or even a day, before you start editing. This helps you look at your writing with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors and unclear parts.

A very effective method is to read your work out loud. When you hear your sentences, you can quickly notice if something sounds strange, confusing, or too long. If a sentence doesn't sound right when spoken, it probably needs to be changed. Reading slowly also helps you catch spelling mistakes or missing words. Some people even read their writing one sentence at a time, from the bottom to the top, to focus only on grammar and spelling.

To get better at editing, you need to learn about common mistakes and check for them in your own writing. Look out for repeated words, sentences that are too long, unclear pronouns, or weak verbs. You can also keep a list of mistakes you make often. Then, when you edit, check your writing for those specific problems first.

Improving your grammar also takes time, but there are simple ways to get better. You may use grammar tools to help you. Reading a little about grammar rules online can also help you understand things like correct punctuation, sentence structure, etc. The more you read well-written books or articles, the more natural good grammar will feel to you.

Another great way to improve is to ask someone else to read your writing. Feedback from others helps you understand what to improve and gives you new ideas for editing.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! I'll definitely try these tips out from now on. Theresa
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome Wong Loke Yuen
Thank you comment icon Good tips, Wong. I work as an editor and I sometimes read my document from bottom to top. It slows me down. And one big reason we miss grammar mistakes is that we read too fast. Mark Moran
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Tom’s Answer

Grammar is a pain the backside at times, but it's still very important. Practice its usage more than a few times during your writing career, and pay close attention to what works and what does not. Editing is something that does change occasionally in its practice, so do what you can to stay on top of those changes and continue to apply them in a practical manner. Some methods might not make sense, and some might appear to run crosscurrent to your own beliefs. But keep an open mind, use what you feel is pertinent to your experience, and learn to apply what works in a sensible fashion.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! Theresa
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Mark’s Answer

Good question, Theresa. Shows you're on the right track. I had a writing teacher in college who said, "The best way to improve your writing is to learn the rules of grammar." So how do you do that? By reading The Elements of Style, a short paperback by Strunk and White. Then keep the book handy when you're writing. Then read it again a year later.

I hope you have success in your writing endeavors.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the book recommendation! I'll definitely check it out. Theresa
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Mario D.’s Answer

Look, grammar is not some magical thing that lives in the clouds. It is sweat. It is muscle. It is repetition. You build it the same way you build a stronger body or a sharper mind. You show up. You do the work. You keep doing it even when you do not feel like it.

If you want the jumpstart that actually works, get the book The Art of Styling Sentences by Marie L. Waddell.

The one with the twenty sentence patterns. That book is the secret door that most people never walk through. This book made me incredible…

Do not skim it. Do not bounce around. Read the entire thing. Every pattern. Every example. Let the structure get into your mind.

Then you train.

For each of the twenty patterns
Practice it ten times
Write ten sentences
Do the reps
No shortcuts
No excuses

You’re gonna be the best don’t worry! I got this book at the age of 40, and I had to learn grammar all over again. This is the book that made me great, and my hard work. You got this. I believe you can.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the book recommendation and the words of wisdom! I'll keep both pieces of advice close to heart. Theresa
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