We could spend an entire year on editing tips, but since I want your scrapbook journaling to sound like YOU, rather than your sophomore English teacher, we’ll keep it to a few tips.
When I am finished writing, I imagine that I am someone else: someone who is reading my journaling 50 years from now. (They’ve got my whole album, I don’t have to explain everything.) I read it out loud, looking for things I could explain in a shorter, better way.
Here’s some things that have helped me:

  • Write actively, not passively.
 Wherever it’s appropriate, put your subject up front and make it do something. The active voice generally works better than passive because it’s more direct, more concise, and easier to understand. (But not always.)
Draft: Your proposal was reviewed at our meeting on April 1, and it was immediately submitted to the developers.
 Revision: We reviewed your proposal on April 1 and immediately submitted it to the developers.
  • Cut unnecessary words and phrases.
 Wordy expressions may distract readers so cut the clutter. Draft: I am writing this note because I want to thank you very much for organizing the open house that was held last Thursday. 
Revision: Thank you very much for organizing last Thursday’s open house.
  • But don’t leave out key words.
To be clear as well as concise, we sometimes need to add a word or two.
Draft: The storage shed is the first step.
 Revision: Unlocking the storage shed is the first step.
  • Give it some time.
 Put your journaling away for a while and come back to it later. You’ll notice things with “fresh eyes.”
  • Get a second opinion.
 Ask someone else to read your journaling. They can point out things that aren’t clear to you. I often have my sister proofread for me. She makes A LOT of recommendations. I only change the ones that still make it sound like me…and NOT sound like a college paper. Before sending a book to the publisher, my Mom proofreads everything for doubled or left out words and spelling errors.

    • After you’ve written your journaling, take another look with these tips in mind.

    2 Comments

    1. Stefanie

      Thanks for the great journaling tips.
      I should get a second opinion before I have them printed out.
      My boys love showing me all the mistakes after the event and laughing at me.

      1. Chelle

        I have a layout in my 2008 yearbook with a random button in the middle of the photo. I have NO IDEA how we missed it, but we did. Just looks like I dropped a button in the middle of the page. LOL!

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