GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

EditingIntroduction Writing is an art acquired only with practice. One can't expect to prepare readablewriting by quickly dashing it off. Even experienced writers find writing adifficult, time-consuming process. It's also difficult to edit one's own work.Intentionsversus resultsPride ofauthorshipEditingprocedureEditingothers' workThe mark ofa goodexecutiveThe best writers have trouble editing their work. The tendency is to confuse whatwas intended with what was written. We don't always express intentions clearly.Your writing is fair game to those reviewing it as it passes through the system.Be prepared to have it criticized and modified. To cope with pride of authorship--x Prepare excellent work that withstands scrutiny.x Practice writing every day.x Ask critics to help with errors you didn't see or can't fix.x Accept valid criticism gracefully.x Be tactful when proving critics wrong.To edit copy, take these steps:StepAction1 Lay copy aside for a day or two.2 Read it but from the reader's viewpoint.3 For objectivity, ask a critic to read it.4 Read copy aloud while critic follows text--indicates how the text flows.Tip: In a first draft you'll write too much. In the second, cut out half the words.Your writing skill may earn you the thankless task of editing other people'swork. People have thin skins when critics judge their writing. You may havethe same shortcomings, but it's easier to see them in others.No one writes poorly on purpose, and only a few do from laziness. Be tactfulwhen editing someone's work. Must it be perfect or simply acceptable? If youwant it perfect, then be prepared to invest time to coach and drill the person.Someday, people may write letters for your signature. Before picking them apartto death and sending them back, keep in mind that perfect is the enemy of good:The mark of a good executive . . . you're handed letters which you know youcould have written better yourself and you sign them anyway.--General Dwight D. EisenhowerNRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 7-16