General
Editing lessons I have learned from tradies #11
It is sometimes hard to stand outside your own writing and read it impartially. Getting an editor to cast her or his eye over your words and images could save you much embarrassment.
Editing lessons I have learned from tradies #10
The rules of writing – spelling, grammar and punctuation – are vital if your writing is to survive. You don’t need to morph into a grammar Nazi or a spelling pedant but your writing must follow the rules of the language you are writing in so that you can be understood, your message is clear and that your readers feel respected.
Editing lessons I have learned from tradies #9
Readers feel cheated somehow if they feel that they have been misled. All writing, from a book to a brochure, leads to an outcome. Having a clear goal or outcome in mind before beginning to write will ensure that your writing stays on track and that your reader is satisfied and anticipating with enthusiasm what you write next.
Editing lessons I have learned from tradies #8
We can write something that is perfectly correct in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation. It’s understandable, it’s fit for purpose. However, all writing should be more than that. When we write, we need to have a clear picture in our minds of our ideal reader, our avatar, and write in their language in ways that they will respond to. A professional editor is your first unbiased reader. With a few pertinent questions, they will be able to help you target your ideal reader and polish your prose to engage them.
Editing lessons I have learned from tradies #7
If you leave a typo in your writing, even just one eeny-weeny one, and someone unfortunately notices it, that is all they will remember. However, to avoid this, it does pay to check everything you write before pressing ‘send’ or ‘post’! A professional editor can review your writing and pick up on the tiny errors that occur, transforming your reader’s experience into something enjoyable, profound or thought-provoking.
