Drafting (writing)

For Drafting on Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Drafts.

Drafting is the process by which preliminary forms of a written work are composed.^[1][2] Separate from other steps of the writing process, such as revision and editing, drafting involves the initial creation of the main content, structure, and style of a work.^[3] The preliminary forms of a written work are referred to as draft documents^[4] or simply drafts. Drafting is the very first step of the writing process; it gives the writer a base to expand and improve upon their work via later steps.

A draft of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Infamy Speech, including the President's handwritten annotations.

Drafting almost always involves rounds of cumulatively adding onto and expanding a work. The initial complete draft is known as the first draft^[5] or rough draft. Typically, 'snapshots' of the draft at certain points are taken, these snapshots often being called the drafts; alternatively, the work as it currently is can be referred to as the draft. This distinction is unclear. In an essay writing environment, such as school, drafting often involves rounds of individual brainstorming, collecting evidence, and writing individual paragraphs, along with deciding on the approach to which the essay is written.^[3]

Method

Drafting relies primarily on free writing to operate. While drafting, a writer is generally not immediately concerned with grammar or spelling but rather getting their ideas into the page in a physical form.^[6] As such, a writer's first draft may not even be prose; it could potentially be a list of disconnected ideas or phrases. Writer's block is commonly considered to be a major roadblock in the drafting process.^[7][4]

The impact of drafting on the writing process

Drafting isn't just the first step in writing. It's a major part in how writing gets better. It helps writer's play around with ideas, moving things around, and make their message known. Doing more than one draft helps improve the way something is written, making it easier to understand and more organized.^[8] It also takes away the pressure to do everything right and perfect the first time, letting writers feel ok about making changes and learning as they go^[9]

Writing by hand vs computer drafting

People can draft by hand or computer, and each way feels different. Writing by hand takes more time, which is a way to think things through or remember an idea better. Using a computer can make it easy to fix any errors and move things around. Both methods shape the way writers connect with their work.^[10]

Mindset and metacognition in drafting

Writing researchers highlight the importance of metacognition, thinking about one's own thinking during the drafting process. Writer's who know who their writing is directed to are more likely to create affective drafts. Metacognitive strategies, such as reflecting on progress, asking guiding questions, and evaluating ones own's work have been found to enhance both the writing process, and the quality of the final product.^[11]