Every writer has a free tool available to them. Every writer. Including second graders. Including college students. Including professional writers. 

Though some rely on generative AI to revise and improve writing, many writers aren't willing to use it because of how it obstructs brain growth, project understanding, and creativity. But you do have a tool available to you. But first, you must write a first draft.

When writing, it's important to get your first thoughts down on paper (or computer) without worrying. Just write.

Don't worry about spelling or grammar. Don't worry about hooks, cliffhangers, or details. Just write.

Your first draft doesn't need to be perfect. Your first draft doesn't even need to make sense. You just need to have created it.

But, you can't make a first draft better if it doesn't exist. So first, you must write.

(That's something I emphasize during my school visits as well as writing workshops with adults.)

And whether you're a middle school grade writer, a science journalist, or a picture book author, you already have one of the best revision tools. 

The tool that every person has? The tool that you have? Your voice.

After drafting, read your writing project aloud. To your aunt. To your dog. To yourself. Really, just read it. Out loud.

Listening to your own words highlights weaknesses in your writing that may not be noticed if you only read the words. Here are a few ways you can revise with your voice.

If you stumble to say it aloud, your reader will, too.

Though repetition can show emphasis, they often distract the reader. 

Lead with your strong points and then support it with details. 

You can use your voice to complete more of your revision tasks beyond the three listed above.

Grab your recent writing project (even if it's just an email). Read it aloud. Is your reader likely to understand all that you're trying to say without rereading it?

Both revisions and edits are critical as part of the proofreading process, but they're quite different. Edits tend to look at grammar and spelling. Revisions help your reader to better understand. Revisions will remove words, sentences, and paragraphs. Revisions will shuffle around sentences. Proofreading ensures your reader understands the message you're trying to send. 

Reading aloud helps, but consider recording your voice and listening to the recording. You'll find even more places to revise.

Check out more of my articles related to proofreading with revisions and edits here.