The Art of Editing: Refining Your LNC Report

women with lap top and pen writingAs an LNC, you’ve invested considerable time and effort in refining your LNC report: editing your document, be it a report, chronology, or other written piece. Now comes the crucial phase of editing, a process that demands both skill and objectivity.

While numerous practical editing techniques exist, their effectiveness hinges on addressing common challenges faced by even the most accomplished writers. Let’s explore some key strategies to enhance your editing process:

 Gain Perspective Through Distance

Walk away from your work before you try to edit it. After completing your initial draft, it’s essential to create some distance between yourself and your work. This separation allows you to approach the text with fresh eyes, enabling you to give it a more objective review. The duration of this break may vary depending on your deadlines, but even a short respite can significantly improve your editing effectiveness.

Cultivate Objectivity

When you get ready to edit, pretend you did not write the piece. Remember that your written work is a professional product, not an extension of yourself. This mindset is particularly crucial for newer writers who may feel a strong personal attachment to their words. As you gain experience, you’ll find it easier to view your writing objectively.

Approach Editing with Precision

When you return to your work, adopt the perspective of your intended attorney audience. Consider the following techniques:

  1. Envision your reader (e.g., a busy attorney seeking a concise, clear expert witness report).
  2. Identify and simplify technical jargon, translating it into layman’s terms where appropriate.
  3. Flag awkward phrasing, unclear sections, and repetitive language.
  4. Assess the formality of your tone, ensuring it matches your intended audience and purpose.
  5. Simplify your writing so that a person with a 6th-grade education would understand it.
  6. Break up long, convoluted sentences. For example, I once edited a sentence that was over 50 words long into 3 separate sentences.
  7. Check your work in stages. For example, look for typos and spacing errors, and then return to the top and check the consistency of headers.

Refining Your LNC Report

Consider these stylistic elements to enhance the impact of your writing when refining your LNC report:

  1. Maintain focus: Avoid unnecessary detours that may distract from your main points.
  2. Craft concise paragraphs: Aim for short, focused paragraphs (ideally 3-4 sentences) to improve readability. I used to advise writers to break up paragraphs that were up to 10 lines long. Now the trend is to use paragraphs that are 3-4 lines.
  3. Use strong language: Opt for powerful verbs and nouns, reducing reliance on adjectives and adverbs.
  4. Be assertive: When presenting facts or data, use definitive language (e.g., “These figures confirm” rather than “These figures suggest”).

Key Principles for Effective Editing

  1. Allow time between writing and editing.
  2. Approach your work as a separate entity, not an extension of yourself.
  3. Edit with precision and objectivity.

By applying these principles consistently, you’ll develop a sharper, more polished writing style and find it easier when refining your LNC report. Whether you’re a novice writer looking to improve or an experienced professional seeking to refine your skills, these techniques will help you transform your writing into a powerful communication tool.

For more comprehensive guidance on writing and editing, consider  purchasing my book, “Painless Editing and Proofreading: A Step-By-Step Guide for LNCs“ This book provides valuable insights into grammar, editing techniques, and strategies for engaging your readers effectively.

Remember, the art of editing is a skill that improves with practice. Embrace the process, and watch your writing flourish.

Join us for the 4th volume of Medical Record Analysis, now getting underway. Sign up to be a published author using this link: http://LNC.tips/MRA4

Pat Iyer

Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.

Have you heard the most recent podcasts on Legal Nurse Podcast? The show is in its 8th year, putting it in the top 1% of all podcasts for its longevity. Watch our podcast on YouTube at http://LNC.tips/YouTube.

Join our Facebook group, LNC Business Growth Circle, to be part of our LNC community.

Pat’s related websites include the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.

Get all of Pat’s content in one place by downloading the mobile app, Expert Edu at www.legalnursebusiness.com/expertedu. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch online courses and training, and more.