First drafts are for ideas. Edits are for readers.
Direct answer
To edit well, draft first, leave it, then edit in passes: structure, clarity, brevity and finally typos. Read aloud, cut filler, replace long words with short ones and make sure each paragraph has one idea.
12 tips
- Write first, edit later.
- Let it rest.
- Read aloud.
- Cut the first paragraph if it only warms up.
- Delete "very", "really", "just".
- Prefer short words.
- Use active voice.
- One idea per paragraph.
- Split long sentences.
- Replace jargon with plain words.
- Check facts and numbers.
- Proofread last.
A pass system
| Pass | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | structure and order |
| 2 | clarity |
| 3 | brevity |
| 4 | typos |
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Clear Writing at Work course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 50 lessons, and you can start free.
The bottom line
Writing is rewriting.
