While editing and revision look different for different types of writing, there are some basic elements to think about when editing any piece of writing:

• Content/Ideas

• Structure

• Style

• Grammar or Articulation

Here’s a quick view of how I think about editing for a short story:

1. In a short piece of fiction writing, I begin by identifying the main idea or conflict of the story. The main conflict needs to be clear and present in my mind before I do anything else. Once I have the main conflict, I’ll list the other conflicts of the story, checking to see that all develop the single, main conflict.
2. Then I’ll begin to look at the sections of the story. There should be a clear introduction that presents the problem, perhaps the setting, and a typical day-in-the-life of the main character. After this, there could be numerous sections, but for a short story, I’m probably going to see at least one section about a conflict between characters, internal conflict of main character, initial resolution attempted and failed, a second resolution wherein the main character evolves, and the playing out of the successful resolution. Whatever the story, there are ways to break it down into sections. Typically, characters need to develop and conflicts need to play out. Identify the parts where the characters develop and the conflicts cause new things to happen. Those are the spots where a new section is developing.
3. After I break up the section, I look at how each section is put together. I eliminate uncessary description, dialogue, repetition, and rambling. Then I make sure the story within each section is organized logically, whether chronological order or simply consistent with the organization of other sections.
4. Once this is done, I begin to evaluate the style of the writing. I’ll make sure imagery is vivid and concise. My dialogue must contain sub-text to make it feel genuine and interesting. My action scenes should be trim, unique, and descriptive. The text must use evocative language fit for the target audience.
5. Finally, I’ll proofread. Correct spelling, remove inconsistancies with names or places, check that the format is uniform, trim up wordy sentences. All the microscopic parts of writing are saved for last.

In the video below, I show how to determine if an essay has substance. Good writing is valuable and fun. The key to good essay writing is proving points–and being eloquent about it.