Systematize! undress him! Remove! Accentuate!
Sounds like a college cheer. Oh! Oh! Rah-Rah-Rah!
Actually, it’s much more than a college joy. It’s how professional editors polish writing. Even Asimov and Hemmingway had publishers. Indeed, without their publishers, they would not be the acclaimed writers that they are.
I wouldn’t claim to be 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 we can’t all catch Audrey’s timing, we can review the editing techniques she so generously shares with us in “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 editing. Things like words, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters: all the good, the bad, and the really ugly.
He then shares his seven-step rapid assessment process. This is how you and I can create writing that flows with enthusiasm. We should take only two pages from our project and we set a timer to limit ourselves. Then, with a swirl of circles and X’s, looking for very specific elements, our writing emerges with strength and vibrancy. 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. The 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”. “Editing” is what enhances our “writing”. Before editing can do you any good, you need to start with solid writing. Your idea should be there, composed in 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 . It is 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.