Peer editing

Today we were talking about editing.  There's an author called Dave Eggers.  Amy loves his books and she heard him speak in London.  He said that when he gives his writing to his editor, he has to do it again and again and again (this is called re-drafting or editing).  He says sometimes he has to do this SEVENTEEN times before it's ready to be published.

When we edit, it doesn't mean our writing isn't good; it means it's good but we want to make it excellent.

We agreed on some rules for peer editing:

1. sit next to your buddy
2. shut your writing book when it's the other person's turn (you could sit on it if you like; don't fiddle with stuff)
3. when your buddy is reading, look at their writing, to check that it makes sense
4. use a green pen - the author holds the pen (not the buddy - they just talk)
5. don't be a bossy buddy - be encouraging
6. at the end, give your buddy two stars and a wish (stars are things they've done well and a wish is something they could improve)
7. then, the author shuts their book and you swap and open your book!