Drafting is the process by which preliminary forms of a

written work Writing is the act of creating a persistent representation of language. A writing system includes a particular set of symbols called a ''script'', as well as the rules by which they encode a particular spoken language. Every written language ...

are composed. Separate from other steps of the

writing process A writing process is a set of mental and physical steps that someone takes to create any type of text. Almost always, these activities require inscription equipment, either digital or physical: chisels, pencils, brushes, chalk, dyes, keyboards, tou ...

, such as revision and

editing Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written language, written, Image editing, visual, Audio engineer, audible, or Film editing, cinematic material used by a person or an entity to convey a message or information. The editing p ...

, drafting involves the initial creation of the main content, structure, and style of a work. The preliminary forms of a written work are referred to as draft documents 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. Drafting almost always involves rounds of cumulatively adding onto and expanding a work. The initial complete draft is known as the first draft 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 Evidence for a proposition is what supports the proposition. It is usually understood as an indication that the proposition is truth, true. The exact definition and role of evidence vary across different fields. In epistemology, evidence is what J ...

, and writing individual

paragraph A paragraph () is a self-contained unit of discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Though not required by the orthographic conventions of any language with a writing system, paragraphs are a conventional means of organizing ...

s, along with deciding on the approach to which the essay is written.

Method

Drafting relies primarily on free writing to operate. While drafting, a writer is generally not immediately concerned with

grammar In linguistics, grammar is the set of rules for how a natural language is structured, as demonstrated by its speakers or writers. Grammar rules may concern the use of clauses, phrases, and words. The term may also refer to the study of such rul ...

spelling Spelling is a set of conventions for written language regarding how graphemes should correspond to the sounds of spoken language. Spelling is one of the elements of orthography, and highly standardized spelling is a prescriptive element. Spelli ...

but rather getting their ideas into the page in a physical form. As such, a writer's first draft may not even be

prose Prose is language that follows the natural flow or rhythm of speech, ordinary grammatical structures, or, in writing, typical conventions and formatting. Thus, prose ranges from informal speaking to formal academic writing. Prose differs most n ...

; it could potentially be a list of disconnected ideas or phrases.

Writer's block Writer's block is a non-medical condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author is either unable to produce new work or experiences a creative slowdown. Writer's block has various degrees of severity, from difficulty in coming ...

is commonly considered to be a major roadblock in the drafting process.

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. 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

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.

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.

Drafting and youth development

The drafting process plays a key role in the development of young writers. It helps students organize their ideas, gain confidence, and improve writing fluency. Studies indicate that creating and initial or zero draft can reduce writing related anxiety and support the generation of ideas, even in early stages of composition. References{{reflist Editing Composition (language)