On the surface, the idea of editing on your screen can seem like the more efficient choice because you can just get in and change things without the cumbersome process of making changes on paper and then transferring them onto your digital copy. However there are many reasons why editing by hand is actually more effective and is worth considering as part of your writing routine.
Firstly, editing on paper allows you to engage with your writing in a more tactile and focused way. Reading your work on paper physically feels different than reading it on a screen. This change in medium helps you see your writing from a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot errors that you might have overlooked on a screen. The physical act of marking up a manuscript with a pen also forces you to slow down and consider each change more carefully. There is also evidence to suggest that when reading on a screen we tend to skim over text whereas reading on paper engages a more thorough absorption of the words in front of us.
Firstly, editing on paper allows you to engage with your writing in a more tactile and focused way. Reading your work on paper physically feels different than reading it on a screen. This change in medium helps you see your writing from a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot errors that you might have overlooked on a screen. The physical act of marking up a manuscript with a pen also forces you to slow down and consider each change more carefully. There is also evidence to suggest that when reading on a screen we tend to skim over text whereas reading on paper engages a more thorough absorption of the words in front of us.
Another advantage of editing by hand is the reduction of distractions. When you edit on a computer, you’re just a click away from the internet, social media, or other digital interruptions. These distractions can break your concentration and make it harder to stay engaged with your writing. Editing on paper, on the other hand, allows you to focus entirely on your work without the temptation of digital distractions. This increased focus can help you catch more mistakes and make more effective revisions.
Hand-editing can also enhance your ability to assess the overall structure and flow of your work. When you edit on paper, you can easily move pages around, make notes in the margins, and see your entire manuscript laid out before you. This physical interaction with your text can make it easier to identify structural issues, such as plot holes or pacing problems, that might be harder to notice on a screen. Being able to physically manipulate your manuscript can give you a better sense of how all the pieces fit together.
Additionally, editing by hand encourages a deeper connection to your writing. There’s something about putting pen to paper that can make the editing process feel more personal and meaningful. You’re not just passively clicking through a document; you’re actively engaging with your words, crossing out what doesn’t work, and writing in what does. This tactile process can make you feel more invested in your revisions, which can lead to more thoughtful and deliberate changes.
Finally, editing by hand provides a break from screen time, which can be beneficial for both your eyes and your physical wellbeing. What could be nicer than gathering your manuscript and a pen and heading outside rather than continuing to stare at a screen for hours on end?
Hand-editing can also enhance your ability to assess the overall structure and flow of your work. When you edit on paper, you can easily move pages around, make notes in the margins, and see your entire manuscript laid out before you. This physical interaction with your text can make it easier to identify structural issues, such as plot holes or pacing problems, that might be harder to notice on a screen. Being able to physically manipulate your manuscript can give you a better sense of how all the pieces fit together.
Additionally, editing by hand encourages a deeper connection to your writing. There’s something about putting pen to paper that can make the editing process feel more personal and meaningful. You’re not just passively clicking through a document; you’re actively engaging with your words, crossing out what doesn’t work, and writing in what does. This tactile process can make you feel more invested in your revisions, which can lead to more thoughtful and deliberate changes.
Finally, editing by hand provides a break from screen time, which can be beneficial for both your eyes and your physical wellbeing. What could be nicer than gathering your manuscript and a pen and heading outside rather than continuing to stare at a screen for hours on end?
