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DOs and DON'Ts

This does not count towards your qualification.

It gives me as an experienced editor a clearer idea of you as a student.

  • Simon

DO and DON'T

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these guidelines

  1. Do use the internet and email every day.
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  1. Do your editing after, not during your writing.
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  1. Don't preach, but do opinionate when appropriate.
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  1. Do use strong verbs.
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  1. Don't depend on adjectives. Show, don't tell. Don't just plonk in an adjective instead of SHOWING.
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  1. Do use commas and fullstops, avoid semi-colons (;) and too many dashes. Almost never use !!!!
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  1. Don't make the first letter of any word a capital letter, unless the word demands it.
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  1. Do have a great opening sentence and a logical, satisfying last sentence.
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  1. Don't generalise. Don't use vague words. Don't make the reader guess. Be specific.
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  1. Do read every issue of the publication you are targeting.
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  1. Do include humans and not concentrate on only a topic.
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  1. Don't write pleading letters to editors. Don't waffle-on about yourself. Let your article speak for you.
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  1. Do write down thoughts and ideas WHEN they occur.
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  1. Do use quotes from people worth quoting.
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  1. Don't forget to use examples and anecdotes to help tell your story entertainingly.
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