Six steps of the writing process the writing process

Six Steps of the Writing Process
The writing process includes six basic steps: invention, organization, drafting, revising, editing, and
feedback. There are also other elements, such as research and citation (Grand Canyon University, 2012).
1. Invention : Invention is the initial step of the writing process in which a writer considers his or her
topic. This step includes idea generation and may involve prewriting such as freewriting or listing.
Prewriting is the writing done during the invention stage and before organizing or drafting a text.
2. Organization: Organization is the step in which a writer structures his or her text. Outlines are a
common tool writers use to organize their writing.
3. Drafting: In this step, ideas become sentences and paragraphs. This step is not always clean and
easy and may require several attempts.
4. Revising: Revising is a key step that involves greater focus on the audiences’ needs and
expectations, resulting in a clearer, more organized, and more e±ective piece of writing. Peer
feedback is integral to the revision stage.
5. Editing: This step looks to ensure that grammar, mechanics, and spelling in the essay are correct.
Again, feedback from peers is integral at this stage.

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6. Feedback: This is the stage of the process in which the intended reader reviews the writing and
o±ers comments. Depending on the audience, the comments may not verbalized. Other times, in
the case of feedback from an instructor, the writer will receive commentary on the success of the
text and how well it achieves its intended goal. Feedback can occur with peers, the instructor, or
colleagues and can be integrated into all stages of the writing process.
Figure 1.1. Writing Process Flowchart
Exercise 3
Visit the GCU Writing Process (-
process-v1.1.html#)website for an in-depth exploration of the steps of writing an essay from start to
²nish. After reading this site, what did you notice about the writing process? Do you have any
lingering questions or concerns about the di±erent steps of the writing process?
Close Reading to Synthesize Information

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Much like jelly needs peanut butter, writing needs reading. They are connected. To become a good
writer, a student must read carefully and deeply. Likewise, good readers must also understand the art
of composing texts.
College-level writing should be more re²ned than high school writing or writing exchanged between
friends. For example, a writer at the college level would not write an essay about repayment of student
loans without ²rst doing su´cient reading about the topic. A writer needs to engage in close reading to
identify peer-reviewed journal articles and books that support the essay’s claims. Close reading helps
writers e±ectively compose texts.