Self-editing
Writing is easy! Rewriting is hard work. Here's a check sheet for making sure manuscript is ready for publication.
Adapted from Communicate to Change Lives.
Limit your message
[ ] Write a three-word summary of your article/book, then . . .
[ ] Delete everything that doesn?t directly and naturally relate to summary
Limit your audience
[ ] Have a precise vision for who you are writing. (Don't write for everyone!)
Organize your message
Case History
1. The problem
2. Anecdote of problem's solution
3. Precisely how it was solved
4. Proof of solution
5. Challenge for reader to join in the solution
Hard News
1. The five Ws and an H (who, what, where, when, why, how) in first paragraph
2. Lesser and lesser important in information in following paragraphs
Personality story
1. Lead anecdote illustrating person's personality
2. Present status (who, what, where person is)
3. Big "flash back" (how person arrived at present state)
4. Closing anecdote (complete the "circuit")
Persuasive article
Pure logic (Rhetoric)
1. State problems
2. Review facts
3. Review possible solutions
4. Recommend one solution
5. Supporting reasons
6. Spell out likely effects
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Popular logic
1. Recommend solution
2. State problem
3. Supporting reasons
4. Review facts
5. Review possible solutions
6. Spell out like effects
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Self-help
1. Anecdote of person(s) in need of help
2. Steps to solution with anecdotes for each point
3. Anecdote/testimony of an over-comer ("You can too!")
Trend piece
1. Lead (shocking facts, profile, etc.)
2. Description of present status
3. Explanation of causes
4. Evaluation
5. Forecast, possible consequences
Advertise' your message
[ ] Attract attention with your /very first/ paragraph
[ ] Establish subject, tone of article
[ ] First paragraph(s) must lead /naturally /into article/story
Present your message clearly, simply
[ ] Use the best words (big difference between lightning bug and lightning "bolt"!)
[ ] Easily understood words ("Write to express, not impress.")
[ ] Specific words (not "dessert," but "Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip sundae")
[ ] Picture nouns, action verbs (avoid adverbs and adjectives)
[ ] Only /absolutely, necessary /words
[ ] A variety of words (make sure they're "easily understood")
Use clear, clean, concise sentences
[ ] One idea per sentence
[ ] Short sentences (aim for fifteen word maximum)
[ ] Variety of sentence lengths
Use manageable paragraphs
[ ] One idea per paragraph
[ ] Short paragraphs (aim for five to seven lines maximum)
[ ] Variety of paragraph lengths
Use transitions between sentences, paragraphs, sections
[ ] Single words (further more, meanwhile, nevertheless, therefore, consequently . . .)
[ ] Key words repeated throughout the article/book
[ ] Time and locale ("Later that day, as he checked into the hotel . . .")
[ ] Mood changes ("Her smile quickly twisted into a frown as . . . )
[ ] Changes in viewpoint ("But many disagree with that position, arguing that. . . .")
[ ] Numbered points
Title your message
[ ] Appeal to "felt needs" of your audience (What's in it for the reader?)
[ ] Brainstorm subject's synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, rhyming words, associated nouns and verbs, familiar phrases, song/book titles . . .
[ ] Sort out possible combinations for title
Package your message in proper form
Standard hardcopy
[ ] White bond paper (nothing decorative or cute)
[ ] One-inch margins all around
[ ] Single-spaced name, address, email in upper left
[ ] Rights and number of words in upper right
[ ] Title centered horizontally and vertically, double-spaced below this
Electronic submissions
[ ] Follow house's writers' guidelines
[ ] Most want a single space between sentences, entire book on one file
[ ] Some houses want hardcopy to compare to electronic copy
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