5 editor's secrets to help you write like a pro

I do a lot of copyediting, both of books and advertising collateral. I'll let you in on a secret that still surprises me, although I've seen it hundreds of times now. If you looked at the raw work of most professional writers, you'd be pretty underwhelmed.

Professional writers get work because they hit their deadlines, they stay on message, and they don't throw too many tantrums. Some pros have a great writing voice or a superb style, but as often as not, that gets in the way. When you know that the best word is "prescient," it's hard to swallow when an account manager tells you the client won't know what it means.

Professional writers rely on editors to fix their clunks. Like good gardeners, sensitive editors don't hack away—we prune and gently shape. When we've done a great job, the page looks just like it did before, only better. It's the page the writer intended to write.

Editing, like writing, takes time to learn. But here are five fixes I make with nearly every project. Learn to make them yourself and you'll take your writing to a more professional, marketable, and persuasive level.

1. Sentences can only do one thing at a time.
Have you ever heard a four-year-old run out of breath before she can finish her thought? I edit a lot of sentences that work the same way. You need a noun, you need a verb, you might need an object. Give some serious thought to stopping right there.

Sentences are building blocks, not bungee cords; they're not meant to be stretched to the limit. I'm not saying you necessarily want a Hemingway-esque series of clipped short sentences, but most writers benefit from dividing their longest sentences into shorter, more muscular ones.

2. Paragraphs can only . . .
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Comments

[WiseIndia]

Most of the tips were straight-forward and well written, but thanks for the brushi up. Even though I knew most like writing short paragraphs for the web, reading it again as well as the other examples and suggestions was an excellent idea.

Thanks Simone!

[MrDoubts]

I often tell people in seminars – “My mom taught me, there are three kinds of sentence. While working as a content writer, I discovered another type – perhaps the best of the lot – the Simplest Sentence.” Some of them laugh and some keep silent.

It was nice reading the post and specifically “Sentences can only do one thing at a time”.

[maneesh]

to keep it short .. a handy post
:)

[Brandon]

Wow, I'm no professional writer (casual blogger perhaps) but this was a very helpful post. Where was this in high school? Heck, where was this in college? This list should be nailed to the top of the WordPress admin panel. Thanks for the post!

[grammargirl]

I agree with most of this, but as a UK English language professional I would say that we are less bothered about the passive voice than you are in the States. Perhaps it's because we are closer to the French?!

[Sonia Simone]

Interesting grammargirl--maybe it's that pernicious EU influence!

[liquid06]

Thanks for this great post! I found it informative.

[Beth]

Thanks for this, great post, especially on ways to shorten phrases. However, I use 'alright' sometimes, and I don't think it's TOO badly wrong.

[Paul]

This really helped alot and it made me feel alright with making my writing better! Seriously, those last two word hints, "a lot" and "all right" were the icing on a very informative grammar cake. Thanks!

[Tim Patterson]

Absolutely fantastic advice, right up their with Vonnegut's "pity the reader" set of tips.

[Sonia Simone]

Paul, if I can help one person write "a lot" and "all right," my work is done. :)

Thanks Tim, high praise indeed!

[Gary Fletcher]

Sonia,

Thankyou for these easy to use tips. I've read many "how to edit" guides but none as clear and practical as this. I'm sticking it on the wall next to my monitor for reference during my future editing sessions.

Regards,
Gary

[Colin]

Some handy tips there. Thanks. I will go back to my blogs and edit like crazy.

[Jess]

Thanks for the brush-up Sonia! I've worked as an editor myself, but it's always nice to see such basic principles outlined clearly.
It can be so hard to apply these to one's own work!

[Ugg Boots Sale]

Incredible voice, incredible smile - she sings for the joy of doing and sharing her gift! I'm in Japan too (18 years and counting) and Dre-com, along with Sazan are two joyful music making groups that make up for all the junk here ... and there ... maybe ?

[renlewei]

The blog article very surprised to me! Your writing is good. In this I learned a lot! Thank you!

[Coach Factory Oultet]

I think the issue is a little meaning, no matter how end? I agree to write the male character, view; and I think a lot of people can't accept the results. Switch all things difficult! Continue to come on!