One Step in Editing Your Writing

 One step in editing

Editing is a many-step process. One step is reading aloud. 

Once you've done the bulk of your proofreading and editing, read your story, chapter, essay, or poem out loud. You may be quite surprised to find that errors you never noticed before will pop out. 

You'll be able to see the flow and rhythm of what you've written much better than when you read it silently umpteen times. This shows up, especially in poems. 

You'll find words that you might stumble on when you read them. If you have a little trouble saying the words, your reader is likely to have a problem reading them. Finding them now gives you a chance to fix it before you submit to an editor. 

You'll discover sentences that are too long. If you can't read the full sentence out loud without stopping to take a breath, it's very likely the sentence is too long. Like the one that I just wrote.

You'll hear the dialogue you wrote in a different manner than when you merely read it silently. 

I would suggest you read aloud in a private spot, away from your family's activities. Rooms have doors. Use it to give yourself a quiet place. 

Many writers don't take this valuable step in the editing process. It's their loss if they don't try it. 

When I critique submissions in my online writing group, I often read sections aloud or a full poem. It helps me see what needs to be worked on, and also the parts that sing. When you critique always comment on the things you liked as well as suggesting changes. 

One small step that can reap benefits. Give it a try.