The 25 Step Checklist for Editing Your Own Copy

"Your thinking about editing is wrong."

That eyeopener is from Erica Schneider who goes on to say:

"Editing is not a cutting exercise - it's a value-adding exercise. Because even when you're cutting fluff, redundancy, and wordiness, you're adding value. And when you remove friction, you add clarity."

Strong editing makes good writing. Follow these 25 self-editing tips to tighten up your copy and make it shine.

Developmental Editing Tips

1. Start Fresh:

• Approach your draft with a clear mind. Step away from your copy (at least 24 hours if deadlines allow) before editing to see your work with fresh eyes.

2. Revisit Your Outline:

• Check that what you've written aligns with your initial goals and the outline you started with.

3. Read Aloud:

• Give your copy a vocal test. Reading aloud helps you catch awkward phrasing and improves overall flow.

4. Big Picture Check:

• Ask yourself if each section serves the overarching purpose of your piece. Cut out anything that strays too far from the main point.

4. Smooth Transitions:

• Ensure your narrative flows seamlessly. Transitions between paragraphs should be smooth (as my mother-in-law would say, "like butter.")

Copy Editing Tips

1. Sentence Purpose:

• Verify that every sentence serves a clear purpose. If it doesn't, consider giving it the boot.

2. Active Voice Dominance:

• Opt for active voice whenever possible to add punch and clarity to your writing.

3. Cut the Clutter:

• Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases. Your readers will thank you for the streamlined experience.

4. Consistent Style:

• Maintain a consistent writing style for a polished, professional impression.

5. Fact-Check Vigilance:

• Double-check your sources and ensure accuracy. Nothing erodes credibility like inaccurate information.

Proofreading Tips

1. Final Read-Through:

• Give your copy one final, meticulous read-through. The last defense against typos and errors.

2. Spelling Bee Champion:

• Check for typos and common mistakes that can slip through. Reading it in a different medium (e.g., printed on paper instead of on screen) can help.

3. Punctuation Patrol:

• Ensure consistent punctuation. Too many exclamation marks? Tone it down. Keep it polished and professional.

4. Homophone Hunt:

• Beware of sneaky homophones that spell checker might not catch such as "their" vs. "there" vs. "they're."

5. Grammar Guru:

• Brush up on your grammar rules. A well-placed comma can make all the difference.

Fine-Tuning Tips

1. Word Economy:

• Embrace brevity. If a shorter, more common word conveys the same meaning, use it.

2. Variety is Key:

• Mix up sentence structure. It keeps your readers engaged and adds a dynamic rhythm to your copy.

3. Consistent Tone:

• Maintain a consistent tone throughout your piece. Sudden shifts can be jarring for your audience.

4. CTA Perfection:

• Craft compelling Calls-to-Action. Make sure they're clear, persuasive, and aligned with your goals.

5. Empathy Check:

• Put yourself in your reader's shoes. Does your copy resonate? Does it answer their burning questions?

Final Checks

1. Formatting Finesse:

• Ensure your formatting is reader-friendly. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points for easy digestion.

2. Mobile-Friendly Read:

• Imagine your audience reading on a smartphone. Is your copy mobile-friendly? Short paragraphs and concise sentences are critical.

3. Brand Consistency:

• Double-check that your copy aligns with your brand's voice and values.

4. Fresh Eyes Feedback:

• Get a second opinion. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can uncover hidden gems or areas that need improvement.

5. Sleep On It:

• After all edits are done, sleep on it. A new day might reveal even more ways to enhance your copy.

One final word of advice: When writing, detach yourself from your editor self ... and when editing, detach yourself from your writer self.