Technical Writing For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 7

Fine-Tuning toward the Ideal

IN THIS CHAPTER

Knowing the difference between proofreading and editing

Crossing your t’s and dotting your i’s

Editing for clarity and flow

Determining the readability of your document

Using online readability assessments

Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who died from an overdose of wedlock.

—FROM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT’S EXAM PAPER (ANONYMOUS FOR A GOOD REASON)

If you don’t think that a misused word can make a difference, look at the quote about Socrates. He died from an overdose of hemlock, not wedlock. (At least most married folks hope that was the case.) Now imagine spending days, weeks, or months writing your document only to have a blaring error pop out like a skunk at a lavish garden party. You’d be remembered for your error, not for the rest of your great writing. Remember that diamonds and faux pas are forever!

What would you think if you walked into a restaurant and saw this menu?

Full Coarse Meal

White Whine

Soap of the Day

Frayed ...