Make Copy Shine By Editing 2023

Objective – In this lesson, I can: • Apply editing best practices and techniques.

Writing can be a taxing activity. Reporters should write freely while thoughts are flowing and ideas are clear. They can save the editing process for later. However, this does not mean to write “hot” and then pass along your rough work for some editor to trudge through. A fresh set of eyes is important, but since it is your piece and you know it best, self-editing is a practice that cannot be sacrificed in the name of saving some time. When you reach a resting point in your writing, step away from the story for a while. It could for be for an hour or a day, but give yourself some space so that you can approach editing the piece with a fresh perspective. WRITE HOT, EDIT COLD Now that you are comfortable with editing the content of a story, it is time to address the copy editing process. With so many stories being submitted at various times by a variety of writers, an organizational structure for editing needs to be in place. Without it, writers can be confused by mixed messages from editors, printed drafts of stories can be lost and the quality of the story will suffer.

Then return to your story with a keen, objective editing eye.

Follow the same process for your own story that you would if editing someone else’s work. Examine the story for the purpose of both subjective and objective editing.

LISTENING FOR CONTENT Comments/Questions: PEER-EDITING FEEDBACK

36 THE EDITING PROCESS Lesson 7