Editing and Proofreading

Proofreading is the stage in the writing process in which you polish your work to make it error-free. All forms of writing are more effective when they are error-free. No one enjoys reading a piece of writing that contains errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. These errors detract from the writer's credibility.

After you've completed a solid second draft, you can at last release your internal editor from his or her or its little cage. This is the time to proofread . Check your spelling, make sure your subjects and verbs agree, and correct your punctuation. Make sure your paper conforms to any guidelines set out by your teacher or publisher (placement of page numbers, size of margins, etc.). Present your reader with a physically and stylistically clean product.