Sell your work: Personal essaysIs the writing in your piece concrete--and does something happen?
Published:
August 2, 2010 When you feel there’s not another word or thought to add to your essay,
nor anything to edit out, put it away for at least a week. You need
perspective, and only time can give you that.
After a week, try this checklist to see if your essay is ready for submission.
Does your opening get right to the subject?
Does it draw the reader into your essay? Is there a hook, a sentence or
two, to immediately engage the reader’s interest and curiosity?
Does the first paragraph set up accurate expectations for the rest of the essay, show clearly what it will be about?
If not, cut or rewrite. Often it’s necessary to write your way into an
essay to find out what it’s about, but now is the time to recognize
where your story begins. An essay is such a short form that you don’t
have room to explain and describe. Jump in, and cut to the chase. Trust
your readers; they’re smart.
Is your writing specific and concrete?
The more specific your details are, the more your reader will identify
with your essay. So be careful about generalizing. Cut all adjectives
and adverbs that don’t give essential information. Remember, verbs carry
the energy in your writing.
Does something happen in your essay? Is there forward motion to it? Is there action, not musing? Is there at least one specific incident or anecdote? |
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