Systematize! Strip it down! Remove! Accentuate!
Sounds like a college cheer. Oh! Oh! Rah-Rah-Rah!
It’s actually much more than just college cheer. It’s the way professional editors polish writing. Even Asimov and Hemmingway had editors. In fact, without their editors, they would not be the acclaimed writers that they are.
I wouldn’t brag about being a polished writer, but I know I see so much lousy writing on the web that I wish everyone had Audrey Own by their side, forcing them to write better.
While not all of us can capture Audrey’s timing, we can review the editing techniques she so generously shares with us on “Get Your Writing Fighting Fit.” In eleven snappy chapters, she takes us from the sloppy to the sublime. It’s part of her editing philosophy to keep it snappy: “Simple, mean writing keeps readers interested” (p.6).
First, Audrey examines the items that editors look for when they go about their editing work. Things like words, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters: all the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
He then shares his seven-step rapid assessment process. This is how you and I can create writing that flows with enthusiasm. We need to take just two pages of our project and set a timer to limit ourselves. Then, with a swirl of circles and X’s, searching for very specific elements, our writing emerges with force and vitality. And it’s all done in a matter of minutes.
For example, one of your steps to successful writing is to read only the first sentence of each paragraph. By reading so much, does the writing convey the general idea? Should. First prize is that important. If not, that’s an area of your writing that needs attention.
One of Audrey’s editing techniques is to vary the length and structure of sentences and paragraphs. Mix it up, she calls it.
As here.
This is a great editing system. It’s clear, direct, fast, and very doable for most writers.
Note that “edit” is not “write”. “Edit” is what enhances our “writing.” Before editing can do you any good, you have to start with some solid writing. Your idea should be there, broken down into reasonable sentences and paragraphs.
Then put your own writing through Audrey and Bingo’s great seven-step editing process! You have great prose.
Pick up your copy of “Get Your Writing Fighting Fit” at http://www.writershelper.com/gywffsales.html. Worth every penny of the $29.00 cost. And while you’re on Audrey’s website, take a look. You will also discover many more great ideas.