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How I edit: three passes and a walk

My editing routine, from the first read-through to the last cut.

Writing

·

·

12

min read

A hand marking up a printed manuscript with a red pen, a mug and a folded map beside it

Pass one is for shape: does the essay go somewhere? I read it aloud and mark where I get bored. Pass two is for sentences. I cut every adverb I can and check every verb is pulling its weight. Then I go for a walk, and pass three happens in my head. I come back and change whatever I was still thinking about.

Read it aloud and mark where you get bored.

Note 1

Note 2

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As read in

  • The Guardian Country Diary

  • BBC Radio 4

  • Slightly Foxed

  • The Northern Review

  • Granta

  • Caught by the River

  • Countryfile

  • The Bookseller

  • The Guardian Country Diary

  • BBC Radio 4

  • Slightly Foxed

  • The Northern Review

  • Granta

  • Caught by the River

  • Countryfile

  • The Bookseller

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