Tips on Writing, Editing & Proofreading By Jeanne Weber
Give serious consideration to hiring a professional writer who can help you craft your messages succinctly for your specific audience. If that is not feasible or desirable, consider, at the very least, engaging a professional editor and/or proofreader to review your publication or advertising copy.
Create an Effective Manuscript
THE OUTLINE
Whether you, Creative Services, or a freelance writer is generating text for your publication or advertisement, begin by creating an outline. This will be your blueprint for organizing your printed piece. Be sure the person responsible for approving the final text (your supervisor, director, or other) approves the outline before you move on to the next phase.
FOLLOW GOOD RESEARCHING, WRITING, AND PROOFREADING PRACTICES
Plan for several drafts. Carefully edit and proofread your manuscript. The Rutgers Editorial Style Guide is a key resource. Get approval on the manuscript and have it carefully proofread again before you give it to the designer.
Verify your facts:
Check spellings of names
Check titles of people, departments, centers, etc.
Make sure URLs work
Check addresses
Call a phone number to be sure it is correct
CURRENCY OF CONTENT AFFECTS SHELF LIFE AND QUANTITY
When writing, consider the shelf life of your publication or advertisement. The longer the content remains current, the more copies you can print and the more times you can run your ad. Consider driving readers to a website where information that changes quickly can be updated regularly.
