Chapter seventeen

Chapter Seventeen: Revising and Editing

                In chapter seventeen of the Bedford Researcher, the key questions are regarding the revision and editing of the document. The text indicates that although revising and editing are related they are quite different.

Considering the writing situation is primary in revising. Reviewing the purpose of the document is a good place to start. Also considering the reader’s needs, interests, values, beliefs and knowledge of the issues is important. The requirements of the writing, limitations and opportunities are crucial.

The writer should ask how well the argument and ideas are conveyed to the readers, i.e is it compatible with the needs, interest, values and beliefs of the readers and help them accept and understand the writer’s point.

The writer should concern himself with how source information was used. Was the source information enough? Was it appropriate to support the purpose and the reader’s needs? In addition, proper credit should be given to the source for words and ideas in the form of quotes and citations.

The reader should be able to locate information and ideas easily as well as follow the writer’s structure and organization of the document. It should be easy to read. Long paragraphs can be broken up and transitions added. Small paragraphs can be grouped with similar ideas. Effective conclusions are more than a document summary.

Considering the genre of the document as well as the design principles and elements, they should be consistent with readers’ expectations, i.e. level of formality, accepted sources, and organization. The design of the document is also important i.e. the MLA style formatting requirements; Web sites have their own considerations.

To improve the document there are several revision strategies. Making several drafts and saving drafts before each major revision ensures information won’t be lost if the new draft is not acceptable. As revision takes place, it is important that the thesis statement is well developed and the evidence is in good position to support it.  

While revising challenge the main idea, reasoning and evidence by reading the document through the reader’s eyes, playing devil’s advocate, and playing the “so what” game.

Reviewing the structure and organization of the document to see if it is appropriate given the purpose, readers, argument, and sources.

Getting feedback on the document can be very helpful to better organize the document so readers are not confused. The writer can get feedback from a friend, colleague etc.

The next question deals with editing. Editing focuses on the words and sentences of the document. Effective editing takes place only after revision is complete. It is always important to check facts and figures, quotes, and spelling of every name.

Editing for economy involves reducing the number of words in order to be more to - the - point and help readers to understand.

When editing presenting the information in a consistent way can be done by use of several techniques i.e. the consistent use of concepts, numbers, sources and formatting.

The readers will judge the document, so it is important to use the right words, active and passive voice, consistent point of view, rewriting complex sentences, vary length and sentence structure, use transitions, and avoid excessive language.

Use good spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Strategies to edit the document include, setting aside the document before editing, pausing between sentences for a quick check, reading aloud, and reading in reverse order.

Another strategy used for editing is to use a highlighter or highlighter tool in the word processor to mark errors, inconsistences or other problems.

The writer should use the spell checker programs with caution because they have limitations.

Ask for feedback. It can be difficult to note problems with a document the writer wrote himself so feedback is recommended.