copy-editor

Overview

Copy-editing is the tactical refinement of prose at the sentence level. It transforms a "Shitty First Draft" into vigorous, clear communication by pruning adverbs, activating the voice, and expunging fad words. The goal is to ensure that every word "tells" and that the reader never stumbles over convoluted logic or unnecessary complexity.

Guiding Principles

Principle 1: The "Dental Draft" (Source: Lamott, Bird by Bird)

Treat editing as a process of checking every tooth. Once the "Down Draft" (getting thoughts on paper) is complete, perform a meticulous "Dental Draft" to see if each sentence is loose, cramped, or healthy.

Principle 2: Omit Needless Words (Source: Strunk, The Elements of Style)

Vigorous writing is concise. If a word does not add meaning, cut it. Eliminate qualifiers (e.g., "very," "rather," "basically") and "verbal false limbs" (e.g., "the fact that," "in order to").

Principle 3: Use the Active Voice (Source: Strunk, The Elements of Style)

The active voice is more direct and forceful. Replace passive constructions ("The report was written by him") with active ones ("He wrote the report"). This usually results in shorter, stronger sentences.

Principle 4: Expunge Fad Words (Source: McPhee, Draft No. 4)

Mercilessly go after "fad words" that have lost their meaning through overusage (e.g., "pivot," "proactive," "iconic," "reach out"). Replace them with specific, accurate English.

Principle 5: Kill the Adverb (Source: Hemingway App / Lamott)

Adverbs are often a sign of weak verbs. Instead of "he ran quickly," use "he sprinted." Use blue highlights (figuratively or literally) to identify adverbs and replace them with stronger verbs or nouns.