One of the most difficult steps in writing is when you need to edit your own work. After spending days/weeks/months/years on a project, it’s hard to see your work objectively. So, what are ways to help you get a fresh perspective on your own writing? Below are some tips and resources to help you edit your work.

#1 Take a break

It may seem obvious, but the best way to get a fresh perspective on your writing is to allow yourself some time away from it. Taking a break from your grant proposal is easier said than done (especially if you have an upcoming deadline), but even a short break for a walk (or nap) can help you see your writing a bit more clearly.

#2 Play with formatting

A good way to see your grant proposal more objectively is to alter the way it looks. Changing the margins or font can shuffle where the words fall on a page and the look of how the words appear. These changes make your writing appear brand new, helping you edit your work more effectively.

Importantly, make sure that once you’ve made your corrections, change your formatting back to fit the requirements specified by the funding agency!

#3 Listen to what you’re trying to say

Another useful tool for editing your own writing can be to listen to it. Whether you read it out loud yourself or find a screen reader or built-in read aloud function from your word processor, sometimes listening to a document can help you spot inconsistencies and typos a lot easier than reading a page many times over.

#4 Change your view

Sometimes all that is needed to get started on editing is a change of scenery. This can mean using a different device, moving to a different room, or heading to a new location, but changing where and how you’re viewing your writing can be another helpful tool when embarking on the editing process.

#5 Ask for help

If you find that no editing tricks and tips are working for you, then find someone else to look at your writing. For UC Davis faculty, our team is happy to be that fresh set of eyes for you and look over your proposals, just reach out to us at pds@ucdavis.edu.

More Resources

Below are some additional resources for tips to help you edit your writing:

• Let’s Talk Sci-Comm: Episode 12 – How to edit your writing effectively (Podcast)
• Write Better Proposals: To write a successful grant proposal, read it aloud when editing
• Sarah Dobson: How to Revise and Edit Your Academic Writing
• Crystal Herron: 10 Strategies to Edit Smarter and Spot Writing Mistakes (YouTube Video)