TheTop Ten Checklist to Edit Your Own Writing Judy Cullins c.
2005
Whether you are writing a book, an article, or your Web site
sales copy, you need to know that your words speak well for you.
Power writing is not easy for most writers, yet when you know
that the benefits of smart editing =more clients and customers,
you will want to use the 10-item check list below.
Use This 10 Checklist to Edit your Own Work 1. Start your
introduction with a question or startling 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 a benefit early one so they will want to read more. Make
the rest of your article support your thesis and first paragraph.
3. Make all of your sentences short. Since standard sentence
length is 15-17 words, make most of your sentences under that
number. Complex sentences and multiple phrases make the reading
tougher and slower. Make it easy for your readers to get the
point fast.
4. Avoid dull, slow passive sentences. Start them with a
subject, then follow with a verb to avoid passive construction.
"The coach marketed her business and books through submitting
articles online" is an active sentence. "The coach's books were
marketed online through submitting articles" is passive. Drop
linking verbs such as "is," "was," "seemed," or "had." Replace
them with power, active verbs. Instead of "she is beautiful,"
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 the heart of your book chapter, article, or Web copy
fast. While a short story is fine, make all you write clear and
easy to read. That's what makes readers finish a chapter and
want to read more. That's what makes the web visitor stay with
your site more than 10 seconds.
6. Use specific nouns and names. General references don't engage
your readers' emotions. Let them see the size, color, shape.
Rather than say, "Write your book fast to make lifelong income,"
say "Write and finish your book fast so you can take that long
vacation to a Caribbean island such as Tobago." Money isn't a
specific pull, but a vacation is.
7. Let go of adverbs. Words like very, suddenly, and sparingly
that tell instead of show. People want to see and feel and don't
pay much attention to adverbs. Use adverbs only at Christmas.
8. Don't use pompous words. se the shortest, most well-known
word. Instead of "utilize," try "use." The more syllables in a
word, the harder to get the point across. Let go of unneeded
adjectives. Instead of "Kathy is a super-intelligent person, you
can say "Kathy, a genius, can sell a bikini to an Eskimo." .
9. Appeal to the senses of sight, sound, and emotions. Telling
is not an effective. Instead of "Buy this book today because it
is so useful," say, "Would you like to double, even quadruple
your Online income in four months?"
10. Cut redundancies. Don't talk down to your reader with too
much repetition. Be willing to part with your "precious" words.
The first edit usually reduces your words by ¼ to 1/3.
If you are a professional who wants your writing to reflect
that, be sure to follow the editing tips above. With active,
thoughtful writing, you'll gain confidence that your writing
will attract and sell.
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