Print to Proof

Now that I'm done with the big rewrite of my WIP, it's time to proofread.  I find that I am terrible at proofreading on the computer.  I read an article last week about a study that showed people are learning to skim rather than read carefully because of the way we use the Internet.  This has always been the case for me with regard to reading on my computer.  If I really want to concentrate on something, I do better to print it.

So, I will be printing my full ms, punching 3 holes in it, putting it in a binder and then going through it with my red pen handy.  I'm looking for punctuation and spelling mistakes, grammar, and repeating words or phrases.  I know I'm a big fan of the words "really" and "just" and have to work hard to get rid of almost all of them.  I also hope to discover where the story is flowing well and where it might need some help.  I already know that I need to change where some chapter breaks are, and that will be easier to see when it's printed as well.

Most of all, though, it's super fun to see a manuscript printed.  I highly recommend it if you haven't done it.  That sight of a big stack of paper filled with words from your brain is pretty cool.  A feeling of satisfaction that I enjoy every single time I finish a book.