First, prepare to edit. Concentrate
fully on the copy and remember the three cardinal rules:
A. Avoid changing
anything without a good reason
B. Avoid changing
anything substantial without consulting the writer
C. Avoid adding
errors
Now, apply the RECESS model:
1. Read the copy completely before doing any editing, to get its overall effect. Bear in mind the assignment. What purpose and audience are being served?
2. Edit for Content:
A. Is the lead
compelling and focused on the key point?
B. Is the
material accurate, clear, fair, consistent, logical, tasteful, thorough?
Are sources named? Is information well-documented? Do any legal, taste
or ethical problems arise? Is something important omitted?
C. If you
find content problems, rank them in order and consider the most important
ones first.
3. Edit for Structure:
A. Inspect
grammar, punctuation, spelling, style and usage. Look at every word critically.
Say each word and sentence "aloud" in your mind.
B. Guard against
wordiness.
4. Signoff: Re-read the story for final effect and to make certain you haven't added any errors. If the accuracy of anything is in question, consult the writer or take other appropriate action.
SUMMARY: R ead
E dit for
C ontent
E dit for
S tructure
S ignoff
-- Carl Sessions Stepp
University of Maryland
|
|
|