We have all done it. I do it all the time.
What is it you ask? Well, it is the Sh*@ty First Draft!
Yup I said it.
And let’s be honest, it is the only way to get to the good stuff. You need to just let it all out before you can get the polish out to shine it up.
For a long time I called tidying the first draft editing but I have recently had a change of heart. You are not editing but POLISHING your draft. You are making it pretty. You are shining up that rough first draft to uncover the treasure underneath.
Let’s face it, you want to Get Press and Make Headlines you need to create something that will show off your talents and show off your knowledge, know-how and expertise. You need something for the media to read, watch or listen to. That starts by writing a great blog post, video script or podcast script. You are crafting and creating great content. That doesn’t happen without first creating and crafting a Sh#*ty first draft and then getting the polish out!
So get polishing. It takes a bit of elbow grease to really get that shine happening.
1. READ. And then RE-READ. And then RE-READ AGAIN!
The real polishing comes when you have really inspected what you have created. You need to read it. And I don’t mean reading it silently in the corner somewhere. I mean read it OUT LOUD! This is when you will really hear if it flows well. Does what you created make sense. Does it sing. Does it sound like you?
2. Make It Clear
Polish up your baby with clear, concise language. No one wants to read or listen to something full of jargon, buzz words or words they don’t understand. Simple is always better!
” Get to the point as directly as you can; never use a big word if a little one will do” Emily Carr, Canadian Artist & Writer
3. Get Your Grammar On!
OK, I will be the first to admit I struggle with grammar. I think we all do. I do tend to take a bit of creative license with some of my writing and formats. I think that is allowed to some degree BUT you want to make sure you are watching for the big grammar trip ups. I am not going to give you a grammar lesson here. What I will say is you want what you created to make sense. Craft proper sentences that flow. Short sentences will make what you crafted snappy. Short sentences are also easier to read on air, whether video or podcasting! Spelling is a big one here too! Spell Check! Typos get me often so I want to remind you to READ, RE-READ and then RE-READ again. Oh and did I mention, READ OUT LOUD!
3. Be You!
This is really important. Don’t try to be someone else. You are enough! Polish your creation the only way you can – by being authentic. Tell everyone who you are, what you do, why you do it and why they need you! If you are pitching the media they want to know what they are reading represents who they will be interviewing for their show or story. Be YOU! Create in your own voice.
