After submitting your first draft in our FYW, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are some tips about revising and rewriting your work:
• Look over your draft and all of the comments I have offered to get an initial feel for the big picture—what are the strengths of your draft, what are the weaknesses?
• Rarely should you simply take that draft and "correct" what has been marked. Many times, you will be better starting on blank paper (or screen) to rewrite your essay. I believe after the first draft, a rewrite is often needed; then you are probably ready to take the second or third draft and revise that version.
• Do some additional brainstorming after the first draft. . .create an outline or diagram of what your draft accomplished. What is your focus? Your main points? Your evidence? What is your organizational pattern? What gives your essay life?
• Talke about your essay with someone and have other people read your work. Ask them what you have said. . .ask them for strengths and weaknesses.
• Focus your rewriting and revision on content and style until you achieve a draft you are sure is close to complete; then begin to edit, worrying about grammar and mechanics when you are ready to declare the work finished. There is no need to polish something that isn't valuable to begin with. . .
