TBEX15 North America Fort Lauderdale Emma Sparks

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

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

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


Structure Length Clarity Grammar, punctuation,

spelling Formatting


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


Structure Length Clarity Grammar, punctuation,

spelling Formatting


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?

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

TBEX15 North America Fort Lauderdale Emma Sparks

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