§ 47. Edit yourself systematically.

Exercises

Basic

Take a short legal memo (two to five pages) that you or someone else has written, and work through the LawProse Editing Method. First, type it word for word into the computer. Then work through the edits step by step. Create a new draft after each stage. If you're part of a writing group or class, make a copy of your before-and-after versions for each colleague.

Intermediate

In a real-estate formbook, find a short lease or other contract to which you can apply the LawProse Editing Method. First, type it word for word into the computer. Then work through the edits step by step. Create a new draft after each stage. If you're part of a writing group or class, make a copy of your before-and-after versions for each colleague.

Advanced

Take a substantial document that you've written--such as a term paper or law-review note--and work through the LawProse Editing Method. Be systematic: carry out only one type of edit at a time. If you're part of a writing group or class, be prepared to discuss what this experience was like for you--and what (if anything) you learned about editing.

   Previous  - Exercise -  Next