Learning outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• apply four layers of editing to documents

• identify relevant content to aid decision making

• ensure the message is clear, succinct and grammatically correct

• apply ten techniques to promote a sustained writing style within authors

• deliver constructive feedback to the author..

Introduction

• The purpose of editing

• The four layers of editing

·         The story:

• structural editing to ensure correct flow

• reviewing appropriate content for decision making

·        The writing style:

• wordsmithing to create strong sentences

• proof reading to detect typos, inconsistencies, layout and formatting issues

• Government Style Guide as the authority for writing style technique

Creating a sustained change in the author’s writing style

• Ten tips for reviewers to create great writers

The story:  structural editing and reviewing

‍ ‍Structure

• Detecting the story flow

• Using a spidergram

• Using the template headings correctly

‍ ‍ Reviewing

• The appropriate level of detail in the story for the reader’s decision-making criteria

The writing style: wordsmithing and proof reading

The need for clear sentences which can be understood on the first read

• Short sentences

• Main message first

• Active voice

• Conversational style

• Eliminate unnecessary words

Formatting techniques

 10 proofing techniques to identify errors

 Using AI and other technology

Delivering feedback

• The need for feedback to the author

• The author’s natural reaction to feedback

The SARAH model

•  How to structure a conversation to deliver constructive and motivating

• Setting time limits for resubmission