Writing tip 20: Separate drafting and editing

Drafting and editing are both steps in the writing process. But you'll finish sooner, with a better result, if you separate the two steps. Better still, try writing an outline first. We suggest you:

• write a rough outline (just key words and phrases) to get your structure right
• draft quickly to get your ideas down without worrying about perfection
• edit later to check language, tone, spelling and grammar.

Trying to do everything at the same time is slower and inhibits the flow of ideas.

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