Articles are a great way to build an audience on the internet, and writing them is one of the most important skills a freelance writer can develop. However, a writer may find it difficult to know how long an article should take to edit before the work is published. This can be frustrating for a writer, but it’s essential to understand the process and prepare accordingly before beginning any project.
1. Always ask for a brief
When working on commissioned articles, most writers are given a detailed brief from their client, which saves them a lot of time in the editing process. This may include a template for the article’s structure, or instructions on the tone and style required.
2. Research is key
It’s essential that every piece of content a writer writes is researched thoroughly before it’s submitted for publication. This includes reading the publication’s submission guidelines and making sure that they are followed.
3. Check for mistakes before writing
It is essential that any writer checks their work for mistakes, whether they are a novice or an experienced editor. This will save the writer a lot of time in the long run, as they will be less likely to make mistakes that could be costly to correct.
4. Avoid ego boosts when giving feedback
It can be tempting to give feedback that is flattering and makes the writer feel good about themselves, but this can lead to unnecessary stress for both parties. This is why it’s so important to stay humble when giving feedback and reading the writer’s responses.
5. Rejection is often a normal part of the freelance writing process
It may seem strange to say this, but it’s actually not bad for a writer to receive rejection from a potential client. This is especially true when you’re new to the business, but it’s important to be patient and not get frustrated.
6. Handle it with dignity and grace
Another important thing to remember is that editing is not a competition. It’s a collaborative process, and it is incredibly important that both parties are happy with the final outcome. A good editor will not only give feedback, but also encourage their author to improve the quality of their work.
7. Read out loud
This is a really useful technique for catching errors in the written word. Whether you use a tool like Grammarly or a program that will read out the written word for you, it’s imperative to read an article out loud before the editing process begins. This will help the reader to catch any grammatical errors that they might have missed otherwise, and it will show you where the article could be improved.
8. Leave the draft for a few days before editing it
When writing, you should leave your articles to sit for a day before returning to them to complete the editing process. This will help to ensure that the edits you are making are correct and that the piece is ready for publishing.
