Editing & Proofreading

Good writers don't succeed the first time.  Or even the first three times.  Each draft--version of the writing--gets better and better as the writer (and editors) read, find better ways to word things, correct spelling, and update punctuation.

The basic Writing Process is:

1. Prewriting.  Take notes, or write an outline, or ask questions you research the answers for, or brainstorm.  Whatever you need to do to start getting ideas put together.

2. Drafting: Get your thoughts down, even if you have blanks and misspellings and nothing is formatted.  You'll make it pretty later.

3. Revising: THE BIG STUFF.  Don't worry about spelling and stuff yet, just fix the wording and order. 

4.  Editing/Proofreading: Take your revised draft and now edit or proofread (same thing).  This is the PICKY STUFF.  Fix spelling, punctuation. Put in correct paragraphs. 

5. Publishing.  This is putting your writing  in the final format it needs to be.  Double spaced?  Titled?  With a title page? Certain font?  In a folder? Emailed or paper?  One-sided?  Any color requirements?  All of these, and others, need to be addressed here before you submit your writing.