What’s Write?

The Professional Processes of Writing

Topic Selection – Also Called Prewriting

1. Select some salient points (supporting and/or sub-topics).
2. Write down ideas to elucidate, expound upon, and/or clarify the points. 
3. Make an outline.
4. Check the outline for flow and continuity.
5. Rearrange the outline if anything has changed.
6. Select a theme for each paragraph and write the theme with supporting sentences.  
7. Check each paragraph for clarity and continuity.
8. Try to smoothly transition from one paragraph to the next.
9.  Run the finished paragraphs through a spellchecker and look for correct word usage.
10. To whom are you writing?

Research

1. Check reliable sources for research.
2. Correct your knowledge as needed.
3. Fill in gaps you discover.
4. Take notes and include your sources.
5. Cite when you quote your sources.

First Draft

1. Go for the essence on your first draft.
2. Don’t try for perfect first time through.
3. Include your research properly and legally. 
4. Don’t plagiarize.
5. Read it aloud.
6. List the sources of your research with.

Revision (Correcting And Modifying)

1. Read the draft aloud and make the initial changes and corrections.
2. You’re still not looking for perfection at this point.
3. Check your outline and decide if you have covered the topic to the extent that you originally intended.  
4. Cut out the fluff, the superfluous, and the impertinent.
5. Check for overused words and find new ones to replace those.
6. Rearrange sentences and word order for the sake of clarity and continuity.
7. Read aloud and check for flow and add transitions to improve the flow.
8. Is the flow logical?  Are there any abrupt changes in voice, focus, or style?

Editing (Modifying and Rewriting)

1. Check for plagiarism.
2. Check spelling, grammar, and syntax.
3. Check clarity.
4. Check continuity.
5. Check style consistency.
6. Modify and rewrite as needed.

Proofreading

1. Which is used: APA, CMOS, MLA, or other style formatting?
2. Check and correct grammar and syntax.
3. Check and correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
4. Change words which are not clear or are used incorrectly.

Publish.

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