The Top Ten Checklist to Edit Your Own Writing

Judy Cullins c. 2007

Whether you are writing a book, an article, or your web site salescopy, you need to know that your words speak well for you. Power writing isnot easy for most writers, yet when you know that the benefits ofsmart editing =more clients and customers, you will want to use the 10-itemcheck list below.

Use This 10 Checklist to Edit your Own Work

1. Start your book, article, or chapter ntroduction with a question orstartling fact. You must hook your readers with something that reaches their emotions. Make it "you" centered. Include a few key words in your first sentence to attract the search engines.
2. Make your introduction only a few sentences. Your readers want abenefit early on so they will want to read more. Make the rest of yourarticle support your thesis and first paragraph that includes the hook.
3. Make all of your sentences short. Since standard sentence length is15-17 words, make most of your sentences under that number. Complexsentences and multiple phrases make the reading tougher and slower. Makeit easy for your readers to get the point fast.
4. Avoid dull, slow passive sentences. Start them with a subject, thenfollow with a verb to avoid passive construction. "The coach marketedher business and books through submitting articles online" is an activesentence. "The coach's books were marketed online through submittingarticles" is passive. Drop linking verbs such as "is," "was," "seemed,"or "had." Replace them with power, active verbs. Instead of "she isbeautiful," you could say,"Her beauty compels you to stare at her".
5. Aim for compelling, clear copy. Write for the 8-10th grade reader.Always think "What's in it for them?" Your reader wants to get to theheart of your book chapter, article, or Web copy fast. While a shortstory is fine, make all you write clear and easy to read. That's what makesreaders finish a chapter and want to read more. That's what makes theweb visitor stay with your site more than 10 seconds.
6. Use specific nouns and names. General references don't engage yourreaders' emotions. Let them see the size, color, shape. Rather than say,"Write your book fast to make lifelong income," say "Write and finishyour book fast so you can take that long vacation to a Caribbean islandsuch as Tobago." Money isn't a specific pull, but a vacation is.
7. Let go of adverbs. Words like very, suddenly, and sparingly thattell instead of show. People want to see and feel and don't pay muchattention to adverbs. Use adverbs only at Christmas.
8. Don't use pompous words. Use the shortest, most well-known word.Instead of "utilize," try "use." The more syllables in a word, the harderto get the point across. Let go of unneeded adjectives. Instead of"Kathy is a super-intelligent person, you can say "Kathy, a genius, cansell a bikini to an Eskimo."
9. Appeal to the senses of sight, sound, and emotions. Telling is notan effective. Instead of "Buy this book today because it is so useful,"say, "Would you like to double, even quadruple your business income infive months?"
10.Cut redundancies. Don't talk down to your reader with too muchrepetition. Be willing to part with your "precious" words. The first editusually reduces your words by ¼ to 1/3.

If you are a professional who wants your writing to reflect that, besure to follow the editing tips above. With active, thoughtful writing,you'll gain confidence that your writing will attract and sell.