Editing Tips

09 October 2004

Cut at least ten percent of your first draft.

Edit every sentence, eliminating every useless word. Replace every vague phrase with shorter, more concise words. Trim the fat.

Turn long, complex sentences into short sentences. Write directly. Remove every distraction.

If you haven't removed ten percent of your words and said more, you're either an expert already or you need to start again.

Removing Unnecessary Words | Concise Writing Guide | Nobody Likes a Rambler

09 October 2004

Edit after you write.

As you write, do search for the right words and phrases, but do not start a long editing session. Finish your writing first. Then, let the piece sit for a while, at least overnight. Distance will help you make the right changes.

While writing, concentrate on writing. Express your ideas. See where your words take you. During editing, you can change the flow, find the perfect phrase, and remove the words that never worked.

Keep the stages separate to let you say what you need to say while writing and revise what you need to revise while editing.

Write Now, Edit Later | Simple Solutions for Writing Paralysis