Perhaps it is my ADHD, but I have always had the hardest time editing my own work. I agonize over just starting it for days, because what if it's not perfect? But that'st the thing, there could always be something you could potentially do different to your work. The main things is to get the basics down and get over a fear of editing. It's okay if your paper or story isn't perfect the first time, that's what the first draft is for!
Here's 4 steps of editing inspired by Anne Janzer talks about in her book, The Workplace Writer's Process 113-114).
1. Objective
What is your main message of your writing? Is your point coming across? Are the plot points coming through? What is the purpose of writing this piece and does your writing fulfill that purpose? This has to do with writing structure and content, make it loud and clear for the reader.
2. Flow
This is how your language sounds. How does your piece flow? Do your points connect? Are there transitions that make sense? Are your sentences written clearly for your audience? This makes the piece easy to read and your points easy to follow.
3. Details
Grammar time! Clear up your comma splices, and your spelling. Place all punctuation in the proper place. Make sure your data is accurate. Check your tone for your piece.
4. Proof reading
This part is so helpful, read your work out loud. Have someone else read for you even, you've been working hard on this piece and there are likely still a few mistakes still hidden that you may have missed since you've been staring at it for so long. This fine tunes all the above steps.
Editing can be tedious but it is so worth it for that perfect professional paper you've been after.
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