The Writing Process: Step #3

The third step in my writing process involves revising. By this point, I think that the hardest parts of the writing process have already been completed because, personally, I love revising. It is my favorite part of the writing process. At the very least, I take the time to edit my own paper. If I have enough time, though, I make sure to have one (or maybe two or three) of my peers read it and comment on it. It's always good to have an extra pair of eyes look for errors and provide suggestions.

Before I begin revising, I print out the rough draft on my paper. I'm old fashioned and like to mark up my paper with red pen instead of editing it on the computer. I feel like I catch more errors that way than I would when I edit on the computer. I look for errors in content and structure. I make sure I have addressed all of the major points the assignment requires. I look for unclear sentences and ask myself if I have stayed on topic. Revising is more than just correcting spelling and grammar mistakes; it's really being critical of your writing and asking yourself how you can make it better.

When revising, I make sure to read through my paper more than once. It's always possible that I could've missed some crucial mistake the first time around. Normally, I look for errors only in the structure of my paper the first time, unless there are content errors that really jump out at me. The second, third, fourth, etc. times, I focus on the content, asking myself various questions: (1) Did I explain my topic thoroughly enough? (2) Did I provide enough evidence to back up my argument? (3) Will my readers understand what I'm saying, or do I need to elaborate more?

After I have stained my rough draft with red pen, I put the paper aside again for a short break. Because the writing assignment is now almost completed, I normally start making those changes on the computer to create my final draft quickly after I have finished revising. I've made it so far through the assignment, so I am eager to be done with it. Stay tuned to hear how my writing process concludes!