The Writing Process

Writing is a process of four general steps: invention, drafting, revision, and editing. You might prefer to do the steps
linearly, one after the other, or iteratively, in repeating or successive sessions. The steps blend into each other, so putting
effort into each step pays off at the end with a clear, concise, and complete paper.

Approximately 50% of the process consists of generating ideas and organizing them into a coherent form.
The other 50% of the process consists of looking at the ideas and form more closely, often from a readers perspective. All
four steps consider both global issues (such as argument, focus, and structure) and local issues (such as spelling and
punctuation) to some degree.

The other side of this sheet defines the steps

and suggests how and when to use each step.

Editing
10%

Invention
40% Invention, also called pre-writing or
brainstorming, is the foundation of a successful
paperwithout it, youll have nothing to draft,
Revision revise, edit, or submit to your professor.
40%
Here are some different ways to invent or
begin the writing process.
Drafting
10% Note-taking. This can be
as simple as jotting down
reactions, questions, or main
points about your topic or as
complex as keeping a system of
notecards that you re-visit and
take notes on again many times.
Listing. Write down everything you
can think of that is related to your paper topic. You can add or remove items from your list at any time.
Free-writing. Write for 5 minutes on your topic without stopping or worrying about spelling, grammar, or anything
else. If you run out of ideas about your topic, write I dont know what to say or something similar until you start to
come up with more ideas. Free-writing helps you clear out some of your dead-end ideas and write yourself into some
surprising and fruitful ideas.
Clustering (also called mapping or webbing). This method allows
you to show how your items or ideas are related to each other. Separate
your thoughts into similar categories and draw lines connecting those
categories to each other and/or to your main topic. [graphic]
Outlining. Outlining consists of creating headings and putting
your ideas, evidence, or sources under those headings so you can clearly
see the entire papers organization.

an example of Clustering on the topic of owning a cat

 Using the Writing Process
This table gives describes the four steps of the writing process. Knowing when and how to use the steps will help you get
resolve common problems in your own writing and develop as an effective writer.
Invention Drafting Revision Editing
means coming up with means getting words literally means to re- means making the final,
ideas and and sentences on the see your paper, or to minor tweaks that
information youll page. make significant turn a complete,
then write about. Dont fall in love with changes. revised draft into a
You can continue to your early drafts, You can rearrange, add, paper ready to be
invent all through the because youll and delete words, turned in.
writing process as probably want to sentences, and entire This can include fixing
you add ideas. make big changes ideas. spelling, formatting,
You can invent in an later. You can alter your citations, style,
organized way, by You can draft your thesis or topic headings, grammar,
outlining, or in a whole paper in one sentences. punctuation, and
jumbled way and go, or go piece by You can reconsider how minor redundancies.
organize later. piece. effective your Editing can be done all
Even just thinking You can draft before or arguments are and fix along, but should also
counts as invention! after you organize. them if necessary. be done very last.
Invent by: Draft by: Revise by: Edit by:
brainstorming free writing reorganizing making minor changes
listing writing changing sentences checking grammar
outlining paragraphing rephrasing running spell check
mind-mapping changing thesis fixing formatting
free writing working on transitions checking citations
note-taking or topic sentences reading aloud for flow
researching adding or deleting
strengthening support
Invent after: Draft after: Revise after: Edit after:
you get your you know about your you have a draft or part you have a draft or part
assignment topic of a draft to work of a draft to work
you understand the you have an idea of with with
requirements your main points youve had time to cool youre finished with
you choose a relevant you come up with a new off from writing so revision
topic idea you can see your youre satisfied with the
your draft is too short you change something paper objectively organization, thesis,
you change or modify major you reread the support, and ideas
your topic you organize your ideas assignment youre sure your paper
you need more support is ready
Invent before: Draft before: Revise before: Edit before:
you turn your ideas into your assignment is due you turn in your paper you turn in your paper
sentences you come to the writing you do your final edit you print out your final
you get too far into your lab you get too attached to copy
research you have a peer review a draft youre frantic
workshop
you make major
revisions