self-editing skills for travel bloggers - tbex '15
TRANSCRIPT
Self-editing skills for bloggers
• Why self-editing is necessary• When to self edit• How to self edit• Resources and skills development
We all make mistakes
Have a purpose
Create something meaningful
Quality over quantity
•Clarity: Clear purpose. Clear language.
•Consistency: Choose a style and stick to it.
Why self-editing is necessary
• Consistency + clarity = quality• We all make mistakes• Stand out from the crowd
• Why self-editing is necessary• When to self edit• How to self edit• Resources and skills development
There is no excuse.
When to self edit
• Short answer: ALWAYS• Writing is a skill – you’re never done
learning• Your blog is your portfolio
• Why self-editing is necessary• When to self edit• How to self edit• Resources and skills development
Step away from the laptop
Step away from the laptopRead through. Don’t touch.
Self-editing: a checklist
Structure Length Clarity Grammar,
punctuation, spelling Formatting
Language Fact-checking Typos Subheadings and title Proof read
FIRST READ: Structure, length, clarity
• Is it in the right order? • Intro should grab the reader’s attention / clarify
what the piece is about• Could it be shorter?• Simplify
Self-editing: a checklist
Structure Length Clarity Grammar, punctuation,
spelling Formatting
Language Fact-checking Typos Subheadings and title Proof read
SECOND READ: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting
• Know your weaknesses• Check trusted resources• Format for the reader
SECOND READ: Language
• Repetition• Avoid cliché• Watch your exclamation marks!!!• Tenses• Be clear, consistent and concise• Plain language
SECOND READ: Fact-checking
• Strive to be a reliable resource• Build trust• Do right by the reader
Self-editing: a checklist
Structure Length Clarity Grammar, punctuation,
spelling Formatting
Language Fact-checking Typos Subheadings and title Proof read
Typos, subheadings and title – then PROOF
• Typos creep in during editing process• Sub-heads should keep you reading• Does the title still match the piece?
Self-editing: a checklist
Structure Length Clarity Grammar,
punctuation, spelling Formatting
Language Fact-checking Typos Subheadings and title Proof read
How to self edit
• Step away from the laptop• Read. Don’t touch!• Follow the checklist• Be honest with yourself
Example – rough draft
They say you come to Aspen and Snowmass for the Winter, but stay for the Summer – an old adage that I think proves true time & time again!! While the awesome region is famed for it’s world-class Winter sports – celebrites like Rihanna and even Michele Obama have graced the slopes here – the warmer months hold more than enough adventures to be had by land, water and air.
Example – edits
They say you come to Aspen and Snowmass for the Winter, but stay for the Summer – an old adage that I think proves true time & time again!! While the awesome region is famed for it’s world-class Winter sports – celebrites like Rihanna and even Michele Obama have graced the slopes here – the warmer months hold more than enough adventures to be had by land, water and air.
Example – final version
They say you come to Aspen and Snowmass for the winter, but stay for the summer – an old adage that proves true time and time again. While the region is famed for its world-class winter sports – celebrities like Rihanna and even Michelle Obama have graced the slopes here – the warmer months hold more than enough adventures to be had by land, water and air.
Resources and skills development
• Style guides (Guardian, Chicago Manual, Nat Geo, Economist etc.)
• Oxford Dictionaries (oxforddictionaries.com)
• Books (For Who the Bell Tolls, David Marsh; The Elements of Style, Strunk & White; On Writing, Stephen King)
• Grammar Girl (quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl)
• Read travel writing• Ask a mentor or peer for feedback• Go on a course
• Why self-editing is necessary• When to self edit• How to self edit• Resources and skills development
Self-editing: a checklist
Structure Length Clarity Grammar,
punctuation, spelling Formatting
Language Fact-checking Typos Subheadings and title Proof read