The Writing Process

The writing process is something that no two people do the same way. There is no "right way" or "wrong way" to write. It can be a very messy and fluid process, and the following is only a representation of commonly used steps. Remember you can come to the Writing Center for assistance at any stage in this process. 

Steps of the Writing Process

Step 1: Prewriting

Think and Decide

• Make sure you understand your assignment. See Research Papers or Essays
• Decide on a topic to write about. See  Prewriting Strategies and Narrow your Topic
• Consider who will read your work. See Audience and Voice
• Brainstorm ideas about the subject and how those ideas can be organized. Make an outline. See Outlines

Step 2: Research (if needed) 

Search

• List places where you can find information.
• Do your research. See the many KU Libraries resources and helpful guides
• Evaluate your sources. See Evaluating Sources and Primary vs. Secondary Sources
• Make an outline to help organize your research. See Outlines

Step 3: Drafting

Write

• Write sentences and paragraphs even if they are not perfect.
• Create a thesis statement with your main idea. See Thesis Statements
• Put the information you researched into your essay accurately without plagiarizing. Remember to include both in-text citations and a bibliographic page. See Incorporating References and Paraphrase and Summary 
• Read what you have written and judge if it says what you mean. Write some more.
• Read it again.
• Write some more.
• Read it again.
• Write until you have said everything you want to say about the topic.

Step 4: Revising

Make it Better

• Read what you have written again. See Revising Content and Revising Organization
• Rearrange words, sentences, or paragraphs into a clear and logical order. 
• Take out or add parts.
• Do more research if you think you should.
• Replace overused or unclear words.
• Read your writing aloud to be sure it flows smoothly. Add transitions.

Step 5: Editing and Proofreading

Make it Correct

• Be sure all sentences are complete. See Editing and Proofreading
• Correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
• Change words that are not used correctly or are unclear.
• Make sure you are using the appropriate style formatting.
  • APA Formatting
  • Chicago Style Formatting
  • MLA Formatting 
• Have someone else check your work.