How can you choose which parts of a piece to cut or keep?

2 Cut the fluff

One of the easiest ways to trim your piece is to eliminate unnecessary words, sentences, or paragraphs that do not support or enhance your main message. These can include filler words, clichés, repetitions, tangents, or irrelevant details. Use active voice, precise verbs, and concise language to avoid wordiness and vagueness. Check for transitions and connections between your paragraphs and sections to ensure a smooth and logical flow.

3 Keep the facts

Another important aspect of editing is to verify and update the factual information in your piece. This includes checking the accuracy, relevance, and currency of your sources, data, quotes, and references. Make sure you attribute and cite your sources properly and avoid plagiarism. Use reliable and credible sources and avoid biased or dubious ones. Keep the facts that are essential and interesting for your readers and cut the ones that are outdated, inaccurate, or misleading.

4 Cut the jargon

Depending on your topic and audience, you may need to use some technical terms or acronyms in your piece. However, you should avoid using too much jargon or unfamiliar terms that may confuse or alienate your readers. Cut the jargon that is not necessary or common for your audience and explain the ones that are. Use simple and clear language that your readers can understand and relate to. Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms without defining them first.

5 Keep the voice

One of the challenges of editing is to maintain your voice and style throughout your piece. Your voice is the distinctive way you express your ideas, opinions, and personality in your writing. Your style is the way you use words, sentences, and punctuation to create a tone and mood for your piece. Keep the voice and style that suit your purpose, genre, and audience and cut the ones that are inconsistent or inappropriate. Use a consistent tense, point of view, and format for your piece.

6 Cut the errors

The final step of editing is to proofread your piece for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting. These errors can distract your readers and undermine your credibility and professionalism. Cut the errors by using tools like spell checkers, grammar checkers, or style guides. You can also ask someone else to read your piece and give you feedback or suggestions. Read your piece aloud or backwards to catch any mistakes that you may have missed.