How do you edit work?

Answer 1

I edit work in two ways, for content and for style. First I edit for content. I reread what I've written and make sure it really says what I want it to say. I look to see whether I have covered all the necessary points and whether I have made my argument well. I check to see whether I have chosen my words well. I read carefully to spot any errors of fact. I try to pretend I'm someone else reading my essay and I evaluate whether that imaginary reader can understand what I am talking about. After I make any content changes that I want, I reread and check for style. By style I mean grammar, punctuation, capitalization, italics, and other details, including the form of notes and bibliography.

Sometimes it helps to leave my writing for at least a few hours before I edit it. That way, I come back to it with a fresh eye. I will notice things that I otherwise would not have seen when I was "too close to it."