You are finally done with your first draft, but now it is time to proofread. Proofreading is more than just looking for parts of your writing to fix, but more so making sure that each part of your writing works together purposefully to share your ideas. Even small edits can drastically change the quality of your piece.
Start by taking a step back from your work. Rather than glazing over your text, passively, change to reading your work aloud. Essentially, this will help you slow down and change errors that may otherwise get forgotten in the process. In this stage, try not to search for any errors. Simply focus on your grammar and punctuation as well as how it reads. Ask yourself if your writing is conveying what you want it to and sounds cohesive.
Next, print out your current draft. It may still feel like there are a lot of errors, but rather than focusing on that, turn your focus on the possibility of reworking it. In this stage, use scissors to cut out sentences that work together, and even individual ones that still need a place. By doing this, you can try out different formats without risking losing any of your work. Do not feel pressured to keep every single line. Instead, intentionally choose what brings focus to your point, and what takes it in another direction. Rather than viewing this as a puzzle with only one correct way, view it as a creative opportunity to style your work in a variety of ways.
Lastly, continue to visit your piece over some time. Rather than trying to fit all your proofreading process in a day, allot enough time to spread it out over a few days. You may prefer to swap your work with a friend and get a fresh set of eyes on your writing. Or perhaps being able to come back to it allows you to be able to have your own new set of eyes and catch different perspectives that you did not see prior.
Proofreading is more than just correcting your work because there is no such thing as “correct” work. Switch your lens to bringing your focus centered on bringing home the direction of your writing. It is easy to get caught up in the editing process, but just know that it is a process and although it may take time it is worth it.