This assignment was done for module #5 for the discussion Developmental Editing Processes. 

​

We were tasked with finding a literacy narrative on the Digital Archive of Literacy Narratives (DALN) to analyze and edit.

 

I chose a document entitled “The Music in Me”. Personal narratives are particularly special because the author’s direct personal experiences are what drive the purpose of the document, so it is vital that the authorial voice is still prominent. According to the literacy narrative details on the DALN, the specific purpose for this personal narrative is to share about the author’s time learning about music throughout their lifetime, and how it helped them grow. It is clearly a very intimate look at the impact music has had on the author, and so the editor should want to maintain the author’s voice as much as possible.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Overall, the document was enjoyable and engaging to read. I think the author did a good job at establishing their voice, premise, and perspective early on. The content was organized well, and the transitions were smooth. The author wanted to talk about how music impacted stages of their life, and achieved that by effectively walking the reader through each stage. However, the conclusion was slightly lacking and could have been more powerful.

​

The objectives for development at this stage of the draft would consist of the following:

• The title could be more detailed and intriguing.

• There were some issues with logic – some parts could be re-worked to flow better with the timing of the narrative storyline.

• The conclusion was really lacking because it consisted of two sentences, one being considerably run-on. This part should have more power and wrap-up the narrative a little better.
   

As the editor, I think there are very minor adjustments to grammar and mechanics that need to be done. Other than that, I would fully intend to maintain the author’s voice by ensuring that the entire piece flowed together and was consistent throughout with regards to diction and syntax.