Four Ways to Improve Your Writing During the Editing Stages
Knowing that reading your work aloud, investing in editing software, and taking time away from your work to improve your writing is the key to success
When wanting to release the best possible version of your next blog or book, the key to a wonderful product is in the editing.
Why? Because a perfectly edited product provides the best reading experience to the reader.
If the reader has trouble reading through your grammatical mistakes, then they will never enjoy your work or obtain your overall message.
So before you take the next step, here are five ways to improve your writing.
Reading Your Work Aloud
When reviewing our own writing, it’s easy to gloss over mistakes without realizing it.
Our brains have a natural tendency to autocorrect errors, filling in missing words or smoothing over awkward phrasing without us even noticing. This is why reading your work aloud is one of the most effective self-editing techniques you can use.
By vocalizing your words, you engage a different part of your brain than when reading silently. This helps you identify issues such as:
Awkward phrasing — Sentences that seem fine on the page might sound unnatural when spoken.
Inconsistent tenses — Slipping between past and present tense is easier to catch when heard out loud.
Run-on sentences and pacing issues — If you find yourself running out of breath or stumbling, your sentence might be too long.
Missing or repeated words — Your voice will expose gaps and redundancies that your eyes might miss.
Punctuation errors — Pauses that feel unnatural might indicate missing commas, misplaced periods, or incorrect punctuation.
How to get the most out of this technique:
Read Slowly and Clearly — Don’t rush. Enunciate each word as if you were reading for an audience.
Listen for Rhythm and Flow — Does your writing have a natural cadence, or does it feel choppy?
Mark Problem Areas — Use a pen or digital notes to highlight awkward sections as you go.
Re-read It Again — After making changes, read the passage aloud once more to ensure improvements.
Use a Text-to-Speech Tool — If you prefer, have a digital voice read your work back to you. This can reveal errors that even reading aloud might miss.
By incorporating this simple habit into your editing process, you’ll strengthen your writing, making it smoother, clearer, and more engaging for your readers.
Use Editing Software
Editing can be a daunting task, but thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever.
There are countless editing tools available that can help catch grammar mistakes, enhance clarity, and even improve your writing style. While these tools shouldn’t replace manual editing or professional proofreading, they can be invaluable in refining your work before publication.
One of my go-to tools is Grammarly, which integrates seamlessly with various writing platforms, including word processors, email clients, and even social media. It offers real-time suggestions for grammar, punctuation, word choice, and readability, making it a fantastic aid for both first drafts and final polishes.
However, Grammarly isn’t the only option. Here are a few other powerful editing tools to consider:
ProWritingAid — A comprehensive editor that provides in-depth feedback on grammar, style, and readability, making it great for long-form writing like novels and articles.
Hemingway Editor — Highlights complex sentences and passive voice to help improve clarity and conciseness. Ideal for writers who want to tighten their prose.
Scrivener — While primarily a writing tool, Scrivener offers built-in organization and formatting features that help streamline the editing process.
AutoCrit — Designed for fiction writers, this tool analyzes pacing, dialogue, and word repetition to enhance storytelling.
NaturalReader — A text-to-speech tool that reads your work aloud, helping you catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
Maximizing your use of editing software:
Don’t Rely Solely on AI — While these tools catch many errors, they’re not perfect. Always review suggestions carefully to ensure they align with your style and intent.
Use Multiple Tools — Combining Grammarly with Hemingway, for example, can provide a more well-rounded edit.
Customize Settings — Many tools allow you to adjust preferences based on your writing style, whether it’s formal, conversational, or creative.
Edit in Stages — Start with AI-assisted editing, then do a manual pass to refine voice, tone, and storytelling elements.
By incorporating editing software into your writing process, you can catch common mistakes, improve readability, and streamline your revisions — allowing you to focus more on crafting compelling content.
Avoiding Word Repetition: Strengthening Your Writing with Variety
It’s not uncommon for writers to lean on the same set of words or phrases throughout their work. While this can happen unconsciously, too much repetition can make your writing feel monotonous and predictable, reducing its impact on the reader.
A simple yet effective way to identify overused words is by using the search function in your preferred writing platform. By searching for words you frequently rely on, you can see how often they appear and decide whether they need to be swapped out for alternatives.
Strategies to reduce repetitive word use:
Identify Your Crutch Words — Every writer has a few go-to words they use without realizing it. Common culprits include “just,” “really,” “very,” “that,” and “like.” Make a list of words you tend to overuse and periodically check for them.
Use Synonyms Thoughtfully — Thesauruses (like Thesaurus.com or the one built into Microsoft Word) can help you find alternative words, but be mindful of context. Not all synonyms carry the same nuance.
Rework Sentence Structure — Instead of swapping words one-for-one, try rephrasing entire sentences for a more natural flow.
Read Aloud — Hearing your writing can help you notice repeated words or phrases that might not stand out on the page.
Leverage Editing Tools — Software like ProWritingAid and Grammarly can highlight word frequency, making it easier to spot and adjust overused terms.
By making a habit of checking for word repetition, you can add more variety and depth to your writing — keeping your readers engaged while ensuring each word serves a purpose.
Step Away from Your Writing: The Power of Distance
As tempting as it is to power through a draft without pause, taking time away from your writing is one of the most effective ways to improve it. While it may feel counterproductive, stepping back allows your mind to reset, giving you a fresh perspective when you return.
Why distance improves your writing:
A Fresh Pair of Eyes — When you’ve been immersed in a piece for too long, your brain starts to auto-correct mistakes, making them harder to spot. A break helps you see your work more objectively.
Stronger Revisions — Distance gives you clarity. You may return and realize that a scene needs tightening, a sentence feels awkward, or a paragraph doesn’t flow as well as you thought.
Boosts Creativity — Walking away from your draft allows ideas to simmer in the background. Often, you’ll come back with new insights or better ways to phrase something.
Reduces Overwhelm — Writing can be mentally draining, especially during the revision process. Taking a step back prevents burnout and helps you stay motivated.
How to effectively step away:
Take a Short Break — Even stepping away for a few hours can make a difference. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or shift your focus to something unrelated.
Sleep On It — Reviewing your writing the next day often reveals errors and improvements you didn’t notice before.
Give It a Few Days (or More) — For longer projects, setting your work aside for a week or more can be transformative. When you return, it will feel like reading someone else’s writing — making it easier to critique.
Work on Something Else — If you struggle with stepping away, keep your momentum by working on a different project in the meantime.
By building breaks into your writing routine, you’ll return with a sharper eye, a clearer mind, and a stronger ability to refine your work.
Know that your writing matters which means it deserves adequate time and effort to ensure that it is the best possible product in the end.
When you:
Read your work aloud
Use editing software
Search for word repetition
Take time away from your work
You drastically increase the chances of having a solid and professional piece when all is said and done.