Improving what you wrote.
WHY IT MATTERS
First drafts are for thinking; editing is where the reader is served.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Leave it, if time permits.
WHY
Distance reveals what familiarity conceals.
WHAT TO CHECK IN ORDER
Does it achieve its purpose Is the structure right Is anything missing or unnecessary Are sentences clear Are there errors
WHY THAT ORDER
Correcting grammar in a paragraph you will delete wastes effort.
WHAT TO CUT FIRST
Anything not serving the purpose.
WHAT THAT INCLUDES
Background the reader knows Justification of your effort Repetition Qualifications that weaken without adding
WHAT WEAKENING QUALIFICATIONS LOOK LIKE
Rather, quite, somewhat, I think, perhaps.
WHAT THEY DO
Reduce confidence in the statement.
WHEN TO KEEP ONE
Where the uncertainty is genuine and matters.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LONG SENTENCES
Split them.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PARAGRAPHS WITHOUT A POINT
Find the point, or remove them.
WHAT READING ALOUD REVEALS
Awkward phrasing, and sentences too long to say.
WHAT TO CHECK LAST
Names, figures, dates and links.
WHY
They are the errors that damage credibility most.
WHAT TARGET TO SET
Removing a fifth of the words.
