Summary

The web content provides writers with last-minute self-editing tips to polish their work before publishing or submitting, emphasizing the importance of spell/grammar checks, reading aloud, and varying sentence structure for a conversational tone.

Abstract

The article celebrates "Be Kind to Editors Day" by offering practical advice for writers to refine their manuscripts prior to submission. It suggests utilizing AI tools for spell and grammar checks, while also cautioning against blind acceptance of all suggested changes. A key recommendation is to read the piece out loud, a technique that aids in identifying formal or stiff language, and in achieving a conversational style preferred by platforms like Medium. The article also discusses the strategic use of sentence length to create rhythm and impact, noting that both short and long sentences have their place in effective writing. The author encourages experimentation with incomplete sentences for stylistic effect and invites feedback from readers to further improve the self-editing process.

Opinions

AI grammar and spell checkers are valuable but should be used with discretion, especially regarding regional spelling variations and verb tense consistency.
Reading work aloud is a powerful method to catch issues with flow and formality that may not be evident when reading silently.
A conversational writing style is favored, particularly on Medium, and can be achieved by using contractions and varying sentence length.
Long sentences can be effective when used purposefully to convey complex or intense ideas.
The use of run-on sentences (ROS) and incomplete sentences can be stylistically appropriate, adding emphasis and variety to the writing.
Writers are encouraged to engage with the community by seeking feedback and sharing their experiences with the self-editing process.

Self-Editing Tip #8: Don’t Touch that Button! What to Do Before Pressing Publish or Submit

Last-minute polish process to use before publishing/submitting your story

Happy Be Kind to Editors Day!

Month! Year! Decade! Century!

Seriously, there are a few things we often forget to do that would make any editor’s job much easier. And make your piece more professionally polished.

And they don’t take all that long.

First of all, spell/grammar check it, please.

AI is great at this! Some recommended tools include: they all have free versions. It doesn’t have to cost you a dime. And it saves so much time.

Grammarly underlines errors in red.

Double-check them all, cause it does make mistakes. And tries to edit out that ‘U’ in Canadian and British spellings which is not necessary to do for Medium. It also sometimes mixes up tenses of the verb to be. So you do have to keep your eye on it and not accept every suggestion as gospel.

But most of them do have merit.

Read your piece out loud!

This suggestion is worth its weight in gold.

Obviously, it’s not limited to Medium Blog posts. This helps in any kind of writing anywhere. Think about poetry and how it’s meant for the ear.

Well, that’s true of most writing.

On Middle-Pause and Medium in general, we prefer a conversational style. As if you are talking to me over coffee.

You may not see it with your eyes, but your ears can usually hear formality or stiffness in your writing. Unless that’s also how your mind works.

So for example, change I am and we are to I’m and we’re. In most cases. Unless you’re using it for emphasis. As in: I am not kidding, Honey. We can’t afford a Tesla. You get the idea.

Along the same lines, short sentences work better than long ones. That being said, it’s good to vary the length of sentences to create a nice rhythm. This is easier to hear than to see. So again, read your post out loud.

Sometimes a long sentence is perfect.

Sometimes, to make a point, you need to let folks know how intense those nasty, inconvenient, uncomfortable, sleep-wrecking, sanity-snatching, clothing-ruining, unannounced, invasive menopause symptoms can be and how they can transform you from Dr. Jeckle into Ms. Hyde at the drop of a proverbial hat.

Run on sentence, AKA ROS? Heck yes!

But in this context it works well, right?

Do you have to write in complete sentences? Heck no!

That one wasn’t. This one isn’t. Short, snappy incomplete sentences are great for effect. I use them often. So you can, too. Please!

Have I forgotten anything here? If so let me know below in the comments. Happy writing. We look forward to editing and publishing your next story.

To see all the Self-Editing Tips, check out this list:

Self Editing Tips

TBR before our write or submit!

marilynflower.medium.com

Marilyn Flower is a sacred fool who writes every day — fiction, poetry, and blogs — inspired by a process called SoulCollage®. She’s the author of Creative Blogging and Bucket Listers: Get Your Brave On. Follow her Sacred Foolishness or SoulCollage® for Writers, and Stay in touch!