The same goes for editing.? Before you make any changes? even as simple as fixing a typographical error?read the story from top to bottom to familiarize yourself with the big picture.

Editing is a form of polishing, preferably using a soft cloth rather than sandpaper.

Sloppiness can undermine the reader?s understanding of a story and can put in question its believability.?

Spelling, correct word use, punctuation and accuracy are pretty specific.? Generally there is a right and a wrong.

Is the story clear to anyone with average intelligence?? Are there sentences, clauses or phrases that would make you stumble if you read them aloud?? Does the story stick to one point?

So the two roles of editing are:? 1.? Make right what is wrong; 2.? Use your best judgment as to whether the story is up is told well.

While it is true that an editor should tighten up a story by cutting out excess verbiage, it is also important for the editor to make sure the story is complete.? Sometimes writers assume that the reader knows basic information:?

The easiest way to find holes in stories or to find other flaws that need editing is to put yourself into the mind of the reader.

What questions would the reader ask?? Does the story answer those questions.

Punctuation in a sentence is like a sign along the road;? it is intended to be helpful in guiding the reader through sentences and paragraphs.? Each punctuation sign has a function.?

If in editing you see a punctuation mark that performs no role, take it out.? The reader, like the driver of a car, doesn?t need needless distractions.

The most misused punctuation mark is the comma.? Writers think they should throw one in every time there is a pause in a sentence.? Not true.

A close look at spelling, punctuation, capitalization and the like will reveal differences in usage between one publication and another.

Example #1

Red, white, and blue
Red, white and blue
Example #2:
Labor
Labour

Lingo is a form of language fashioned by those who share a special interest.?

Stories on the web or in print more often than not are written for a general audience.? Lingo should be avoided.

Editing requires common sense, because rules cannot cover every situation.? Still, any changes should be made with good reason, because the story belongs to the writer.

An improvement in the choice of a word or a phrase or a clarifying insertion or the correction of? mistake are appropriate in the editing process.

What happens when substantial changes are required, such as the insertion of a paragraph or putting paragraphs in different order or reducing a story to half its original length?

Stories need to contain certain elements that make them worthwhile:

1. They should inform, educate, guide and, in some cases, entertain the reader.

2. They should be of general interest to the reader.

3. They should provide readers what they need to know or have the right to know.

4. They should contain timely information.

In short, stories should not be written for the writer but for the reader.

The first step and the last step in the editing process are the same:? Read the story from beginning to end.? When practical, read it aloud.? Occasionally you?ll hear a bump in the story that needs smoothing.

How clear are the answers to the four basic W questions:? Who?? What?? When?? Where?? Most stories also should clearly explain the How and Why as well.

Publication is a gratifying last step that follows a long process involving the forming of an idea, researching, reporting, writing, revising and editing.?