Better Writing Starts Here: 12 Self-Editing Tips

 

You can make your writing clear and engaging when you know how to edit your own work. Whether or not you're working with a writing tutor in Edison, these twelve tips will help you sharpen your drafts and build confidence in your editing skills.

1. Read your work out loud.

This is one of the easiest ways to spot sentences that feel off or don’t flow smoothly. Do you run out of breath trying to finish a line? Then that part likely needs a punctuation break or should be split into shorter sentences. Does a sentence sound awkward or confusing? Rework the phrasing so it’s clearer and more natural.

2. Remove exaggerations.

Avoid overstating your point or trying too hard to sound convincing. Exaggeration can make your writing feel forced or insincere. It’s always best to keep your message direct and honest to connect better with readers.

3. Review your work in a different format.

Changing the format can help you see your writing from a new perspective. If you wrote your draft on a computer, print it out and read the hard copy. You’ll suddenly start noticing mistakes or inconsistencies that you missed on screen.

4. Proofread backward.

When you read your work in the usual order, your brain fills in gaps automatically, making it easy to overlook small errors. Try reading it backward, one sentence at a time. This forces you to focus on each word and makes it easier to spot typos or grammar issues.

5. Take a break before editing.

Stepping away from your work gives your mind a chance to reset. Give yourself a few hours or wait until the next day to see your writing with fresh eyes.

6. Go easy on adverbs.

Adverbs can add emphasis, but they can also clutter your sentences if you overuse them.  Instead of saying someone ‘ran quickly,’ consider whether ‘sprinted’ works better. Stronger verbs make your writing cleaner and more effective.

7. Avoid poetic or unusual synonyms.

Still think that using fancy or uncommon words makes you sound smart? Unfortunately, it often has the opposite effect. Complicated or overly poetic synonyms can distract readers and make your message harder to follow.

8. Use active voice.

Active voice makes your sentences sound stronger and more engaging. In active voice, the subject performs the action (‘The student wrote the essay’) instead of being acted upon (‘The essay was written by the student’). This keeps your writing more energetic and keeps your readers interested.

9. Use proofreading tools wisely.

Grammar and spelling checkers like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in tool can be helpful for spotting common mistakes, but don’t rely on them completely. Automated tools sometimes miss errors or even flag things that aren’t wrong. Instead, treat them as helpful assistants.

10. Cut out ‘really’ and ‘very.’

Words like really and very often weaken sentences instead of strengthening them. Try removing them and see if your sentence still makes sense. It usually will. For instance, instead of saying ‘really big,’ say ‘huge’ or ‘massive.’ Stronger adjectives can make your writing more precise and impactful.

11. Watch out for common grammar mistakes.

Even the smallest grammatical errors can undermine a strong piece of writing. So, brush up on the common pitfalls (such as confusing ‘its’ and ‘it’s,’) and make a checklist to review your work. It’s easier to avoid these mistakes when you’re aware of them.

12. Get feedback from a writing tutor in Edison.

Sometimes, you need a second pair of eyes to help you spot problems in your writing. A professional writing tutor can help identify weak spots and give you tips for improvement. With their honest feedback, you can see your work more clearly and grow as a writer.

Write better with PALS Learning Center Piscataway

Looking for a writing tutor in Edison? You’ll meet one right here at PALS Learning Center Piscataway! Call +1 732 777 7997 or register today to get started on the path to better writing.