How to Proofread Your Own Articles for The Talon - A Guide for Current Students

Proofreading is a crucial step in ensuring that your article is polished and ready for publication. It allows you to catch mistakes and refine your writing before you turn in your work. This guide will walk you through the process of proofreading your article, editing it, and getting it ready for submission to The Talon.

Step 1: Proofread Your Draft

Before submitting your article to an editor, take the time to proofread your work carefully. Here’s how to approach it:

1.1 Read Through Your Article from Start to Finish

• Take a break before proofreading: After you finish writing, step away from your article for a little while. This will help you approach it with fresh eyes and catch mistakes you might have missed while writing.

• Read aloud: Reading your article out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing, missing words, and sentence structure issues. If a sentence feels difficult to say or understand, rewrite it.

• Focus on the flow: Ensure that the article transitions smoothly from one idea to the next. Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does each paragraph naturally follow the previous one?

1.2 Check for Basic Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

• Spelling: Run your article through spell check in your word processor, but also look for homophones (e.g., "there," "their," "they’re") that spell check might miss.

• Grammar: Look for errors in subject-verb agreement, tense usage, and sentence fragments. A good way to check for sentence fragments is to read each sentence as if it’s its own standalone statement.

• Punctuation: Verify that commas, periods, question marks, and other punctuation marks are used correctly. Pay attention to places where you may need commas or where they might be unnecessary.

1.3 Look for Repetitive Words or Phrases

• Avoid using the same word or phrase multiple times in close proximity. It can make the writing sound redundant. Try to find synonyms or rephrase sentences to avoid repetition.

Step 2: Turn in Your Drafted Article to Editors

After proofreading your article, you are ready to turn it in to the editors. This is an important step because editors can offer constructive feedback that will help you refine your article further.

2.1 Submit Your Draft

• Submit your article in the required format (A Printout in OneNote usually Microsoft Word or PDF). Follow the submission guidelines provided by The Talon.

• Make sure to double-check your formatting, word count, and other requirements before submitting.

2.2 Be Open to Feedback

• Editors may suggest structural, grammatical, or content-based changes. Be open to their feedback and take it seriously. Editors are there to help improve your work, not to criticize it.

• You might receive comments or suggested changes on issues like clarity, tone, or the overall flow of the article. It’s helpful to read the feedback carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

Step 3: Get Your Draft Back and Edit It Again

Once you’ve received your draft back from the editors, it’s time to go through the revisions. Here’s how to handle the editing process effectively:

3.1 Review the Editor’s Suggestions

• Read their feedback carefully: Understand the editor’s reasoning behind each suggestion or correction. Take note of areas where they’ve highlighted issues, such as clarity, structure, or tone.

• Decide what works for you: While the editor’s suggestions are important, don’t be afraid to respectfully disagree if you feel a particular edit doesn’t fit the style of your article. It’s your work, so make sure you’re comfortable with the changes.

3.2 Make Necessary Changes

• Implement corrections: Address the editor’s suggestions, making the necessary grammatical, structural, or content-based changes.

• Rework sentences: If the editor has pointed out awkward or unclear sentences, rewrite them to improve clarity.

• Tighten your writing: Eliminate unnecessary words, redundant phrases, and overly complex sentences. Short, clear sentences are usually more effective in journalistic writing.

3.3 Double-Check the Edits

• After making changes, go through the article again to ensure everything reads smoothly. Make sure you haven’t missed anything the editor recommended or added any new mistakes during the editing process.

Step 4: Turn in the Final Draft

Once you’ve reviewed your article and implemented all necessary changes, you are ready to submit your final draft.

4.1 Double-Check Everything

• Final proofread: Do one last read-through to check for any remaining typos or errors. At this stage, you should be looking for the smallest details, such as punctuation errors, missed words, or inconsistencies.

• Formatting: Ensure that your final draft meets all the formatting guidelines, such as font type, size, and alignment.

• Citations: Verify that all your sources are correctly cited, and that your citations match the required format.

4.2 Submit the Final Draft

• Turn in your final draft in the format required by The Talon (usually a Word document or PDF) and make sure it adheres to all submission guidelines.

• If there are any additional steps (such as submitting a signed release form or filling out a submission form), make sure you complete those as well.

Conclusion

Proofreading and editing are essential steps in preparing your article for publication in The Talon. By following these steps:

1. Proofreading your article thoroughly,

2. Turning in your draft to editors for feedback,

3. Editing based on the feedback received,

4. Submitting the final draft with all necessary revisions, you can ensure your article is polished and ready for publication. Remember, careful proofreading and editing will not only improve your article but will also help you grow as a writer. Happy writing!