Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros | 
 enlarge | Authors: Dawn Josephson, Lauren Hidden
Publisher: Cameo Publications
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
Buy New: $13.46
You Save: $4.49 (25%)
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Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 867801
Media: Paperback
Pages: 144
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.4
ISBN: 0974496626
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.027
EAN: 9780974496627
ASIN: 0974496626
Publication Date: September 10, 2005
Availability: In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.
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Product Description
In a succinct five-step process, this reference shows how to save time and frustration when editing one's own work, creating stronger, more precise text that holds the reader's attention. Through its practical, field-tested approach featuring frequently asked questions and key points for reflection at each step, writers learn how to avoid embarrassing themselves on paper, remain objective throughout the process, pinpoint their own unique writing challenges, and recognize when it is time to call for outside help. Tips and examples in the grammar and usage section further illustrate how to overcome the most common writing challenges that plague writers.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros July 16, 2007
Dr. Tami Brady (Calgary, Canada)
One of the most overlooked parts of writing is editing. Often, once ideas are paper, the only editing done by an individual is a simple spell check. Unfortunately, spell check is very limited in its editing ability. This automated system does not recognise words used in improper contexts, proper organization of sentences within paragraphs, appropriate tone, verb agreement, or the presence of repetition. The only real way to assure that a paper or piece of writing is free of such errors is to take time to look over the work and edit as required.
Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Editing Like the Pros sets out guidelines for editing. Exercises within the book allow the reader to evaluate his or her own writing for problem editing areas. The reader can then use this information to tailor his or her editing process to suit his or her specific problem areas reducing overall editing time while increasing the effectiveness of the editing process. Moreover, the tips and techniques set out in this book will be of use not only to students and writers but will be equally helpful to anyone who needs to write reports, newsletters, or proposals in his or her job.
Jam-packed little book of writing advice May 17, 2007
Betty Dobson (Halifax NS Canada)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As the second book in the Ground Rules series, Write It Right continues the solid, succinct advice presented in its predecessor, Putting It On Paper. Dawn Josephson is joined this time around by Lauren Hidden, and, together, they walk you through all the whys and hows of self-editing your writing to make it as good as it can be.
Josephson and Hidden understand that there's more to self editing than the mechanics. Many writers will have a hard time accepting the idea that self-editing is something they should even be doing. We all make mistakes in our writing. Even editors make mistakes.
If you're still not convinced once you've read the Introduction--which includes "The Case for Self-Editing"--I urge you to keep reading anyway. You won't be sorry.
For such a slim volume--as the Ground Rules series tends to be--this book is jam-packed with useful exercises to help you identify and correct your writing weaknesses.
And don't overlook the many appendices at the back. These pages constitute a big chunk of pages overall and could be the most valuable part of the whole book. "How To Sabotage Your Self-Editing Efforts" and "The Ground Rules of [Grammar] and Usage" are especially useful.
My one real quibble with the process promoted and taught in Write It Right is that it seems more practical when applied to shorter works. I cannot imagine undergoing the same lengthy process for a book-length manuscript. How many times can you reread your manuscript before the words blur and you see what you want or expect to see?
Also, while I don't doubt the lessons could be applied readily to creative writing, the focus here seems to be on non-fiction, specifically business writing. That distinction might deter some writers from giving this book a try.
In general, I think Write It Right deserves a spot on every writer's bookshelf. You don't just read this book. You open yourself up to a learning experience taught as much by you as by the authors.
 Ground Rules Produce Definite Results May 15, 2006
Reader Views (Austin, Texas)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Numerous jobs require strong writing skills, yet studies reveal that many members of the American workforce lack the writing essentials. Basics like proper spelling, grammar and punctuation come to mind when people discuss writing. However, well-chosen words, clear-cut thinking and strong structure also compose important aspects of written communication.
Often, those who write fail to develop the important self-editing skills needed to perfect their work. Whether writing comprises one aspect of a person's job or is the main component, taking time to polish the writing is essential.
"Write It Right" serves as a handy self-improvement tool for writers. The authors begin by helping self-editors identify their weak spots by evaluating problem areas. The next phase of the book assists writers with switching gears from writing to editing. Writers need to relinquish ownership of their work and don the editor's hat, refining the material. Like other books on self-editing, this handy guide reminds self-editors to compile an editing checklist, build in time for the editing phase, and edit on paper, not the screen-essential steps to prepare the editor.
Section three walks self-editors through the editing process and dispels any illusions that one time through the document will catch everything. The fourth portion teaches how to use teamwork for better success at editing. The fifth section encourages continued refinement of, and building confidence in, the newly-acquired editing skills.
The book's real-life samples identify organization and transition problems, passive sentences, spelling errors and more. The Frequently Asked Questions segments anticipate readers' questions and provide valuable answers. The appendices also supply important information on editing under pressure, avoiding self-sabotage, knowing grammar rules and usage, and using handy forms and checklists to simplify the process.
As a professor of writing, I found this handy guide to be thorough in covering the basics. I believe it would assist workers whose job description includes writing, college writing majors early in their training, other college students who want an edge when joining the workforce, and high school students who desire stronger writing and editing skills when they leave for college. For those who don't want to immerse themselves in the Chicago Manual of Style or other tools used by professional editors, applying the "Write It Right" ground rules will produce definite benefits.
A practical-minded self-help book for writers of all skill and experience levels February 9, 2006
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Write It Right: The Ground Rules For Self-editing Like The Pros is a consumable, no-nonsense guide to learning how to improve the grammatical quality of one's own writing and edit one's own copy in a professional manner. Chapters offer a variety of self-tests to identify one's most likely grammar problems, and offer keen advice in how to "think like an editor, not a writer" - from ground rules for going over writing, to how to select the right prereader for help in examining one's written copy, to tips for writing well when pressed for time, and much more. A practical-minded self-help book for writers of all skill and experience levels, from aspiring novelists to business or advertising copywriters to speechwriters, college students, journalists, and everyone else whose job hinges on the power of the written word. Highly recommended.
lessons for everyday writers! January 15, 2006
Rebecca Brown (Clallam Bay, WA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Rebeccasreads highly recommends WRITE IT RIGHT as one of the cheapest ways to groom your own writing, & worth every penny. You'll be referring to it often, if you want to learn how to cut the blubber & errors from your words & polish them until they're lean, clean & shining!
The Dedication is the kernel of all these two writers have to teach. Read it & cringe, & then start the Introduction.
In 5 simple steps, WRITE IT RIGHT, with contextual references to preparing for a relay race, takes you from Knowing Your Problems to A Picture Perfect Finish, including FAQ.
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