So Helena challenged me to do a book on writing tips the other day and I said 'challenge accepted'. I know I'm not a professional but here are some writing tips that some may find useful. They are most likely to be based on they way I would prefer t...
I know, you hear it everywhere you go. Proofread. You're probably thinking, "Oh no! Not this again...skip."
I URGENTLY PLEAD: DO NOT SKIP!!!!!
I know it's easier said than done, trust me, I'm probably not even going to proof read THIS. But I will, otherwise that would just defeat the objective.
I write on my personal account and I definitely struggle with proofreading or going over my work and this is not just on Wattpad, at school as well. You can ask my parents how many times the three of us have sat at a parents evening with my English teacher and she has gone, "proofread your work." Countless occasions- it is written all over my English book...well, not really.
It is so hard! Thing is, I'm only saying that because I'm lazy half the time. I know it's difficult after like 30-60 minutes writing, you're finally done and you are just so relieved you want to go binge watch something on Netflix. I know the feeling...well I don't really because sometimes I'm so lazy I can't even be bothered to go into Netflix even though the application is right underneath Wattpad.
I know, life sucks when you have to proof read, but here are reasons why you should:
1- When people read your work, the words flow so much more fluently when it has all been read over and checked. It's nice not to stumble over too many words when you're reading.
2- It may just take the person longer to read. If there's a mistake that they can't quite figure out, it might take them a while to get through.
3- Some people on Wattpad are picky. I personally hate this [especially if I don't know the person] but when someone points out my errors. So annoying- like, I'm not stupid, I know that that's wrong but take a guess, I HAVEN'T PROOFREAD :| because I've taken a long time working my backside off to get this chapter up for y'all so don't be ungrateful just read. Like, I'm okay for Helena [The_Owlery ] to do it, but you're not Helena!!! Why don't we just avoid that, and proofread.
4- Doesn't it feel good to see your work and it's all polished and flawless? I can assure you, you will feel how God feels when he looks down and looks at Beyoncé.
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5- When The Wattys come around, if you do think of entering, it's easier if you've previously proof read because then you don't have to polish it up for the competition.
6- As both a reader and writer, I would prefer to read something that's proofread but I do understand if something isn't.
Now, tips to help you actually proofread:
1- Firstly, don't make the excuse that it's only your first draft because honestly, you will end up saying that for God knows how many years. You will never get round to it! Say it's your first draft, and set the aim to proof read your work.
2- Proofread chapter by chapter if you have to. I mentioned how you can be quite tired after writing, that doesn't matter. Go do something else, distract yourself and then once you get back to Wattpad, go to that chapter and proofread. DO NOT publish it before- your readers can wait! If they want an update let it be good quality. After you've done as much proofreading as you can, then you can publish your bet price.
3- An alternative to proofreading chapter by chapter if you write long stuff like me, do it every few paragraphs. When I do proofread, I do it about three paragraphs at a time, depending how long they are. I came up with this because I was writing once and I wasn't really focusing, so I had to come back to the Wattpad tab and re-read everything to see where I was. I found loads of mistakes and then I just decided to do it paragraph by paragraph.
4- This is what I plan to do: if you are doing drafts, finish your whole story then come back to it at the end just to have a period where you proofread. Do make sure you do this though! What helps me to remember that I will actually do this, is that I've put a lot of effort and planning The Defiant Series, so every time I see the file on my laptop or iPad, I know I have to proofread at some point. I made a strict goal with myself, which I've also written in red on my whiteboard, that I cannot start the next book in the series, if I haven't proofread The Phoenix Is Born.
5- Finally, this is something I do that really helps, have a proofreading partner/editor. I have a proofreading buddy!! She's my best friend and my partner in crime so I'd take anything better from her than ungrateful soul on the Internet. Kasia [KasiaHughes ] and I just sit together some days after Fashion Club on the student lawn and just go through each chapter. As my chapters are so long, we can get one done in one hour, but at least I'm mopping up those silly mistakes. Sometimes she'll even read, she liked reading it anyway, and write down corrections and then text me so I can deal with it. It is so much easier and you also get to see the mistakes for yourself. I'd recommend you do it with a friend, though. In terms of an editor, I have been told that there's a chat on Wattpad where you can find people who are willing to Edit for you. I'm sure if you go online and find a thread you will get someone.
If you would like to find an editor or want to be one, you can find the thread here:
ANYWAY!! That's all I have to say my lazy friends!! Please take in what I've said if you really do want to improve as a writer on Wattpad because proofreading can help in so many ways.
Please vote, comment and share with others to spread the humble word ;)
