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Editing the Easy Way
Written by: AWAI’s The Golden ThreadArticle Overview: Will Newman provides tips on making the editing process easier.
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Editing the Easy Way
You can edit your copy more effectively with the following 5 strategies. Your writing will be stronger and your copy more successful … leading to more controls and more profits.
ALLOT TIME FOR EDITING
When setting a deadline with your client, allow 5 days for editing. If you don't have the luxury of 5 days, give yourself 3 extra days at the very least.
This schedule allows you to put your copy away for 1 or 2 days – giving you a "break" from it before tackling the editing.
EDIT HARD COPY ONLY
Print out the copy for editing. You cannot see errors or copy problems on the monitor as easily as you can on the printed page.
ONE TYPE OF EDITING AT A TIME
You have to do two distinct types of editing: copyediting and line editing.
The copyediting makes sure you said what you wanted to say … in the strongest way possible.
The line editing makes sure you've used the right words ("there/their/they're," for example) … that you haven't left out important words (such as "not," a mistake I make) … and that you haven't mixed up word order. This is also a good time to spell-check.
I do both types of editing twice, in this order: copyediting – line editing – copyediting – line editing.
GET OUTSIDE HELP
My wife reads my copy out loud while I follow on another printout. If she stumbles or has problems with a word or phrase, that's a sure indicator that something is wrong and needs to be fixed.
"CUB" THE COPY
Master copywriter Mike Palmer recommended another valuable strategy at this year's Bootcamp. He gives his copy to several people and asks them to read it and identify any CUB spots: places where the copy is Confusing, Unbelievable, or Boring.
(I mentioned this idea in Issue #299 of The Golden Thread, but misidentified the "U" in CUB as "Unclear.")
Article Tags: copyediting, copywriter, distinct types, golden thread, good time, important words, mike palmer, mistake, phrase, profits, word order
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About the Author: AWAI’s The Golden Thread RSS for AWAI’s The Golden Thread's articles - Visit AWAI’s The Golden Thread's website This article appears courtesy of The Golden Thread, an e-letter from American Writers and Artists Inc. (AWAI) that delivers original, no-nonsense advice on how to build your freelance copywriting business. For a free subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/thegoldenthread. AWAI is the publisher of the world's best home-study programs for learning the art and science of direct-mail copywriting. Formed over 11 years ago by master copywriters and marketers out of an industry-wide need for talented copywriters who can deliver copy that sells, AWAI boasts a staff of more than two dozen accomplished professionals – all of whom have contributed to growing and perfecting its extensive lineup of available programs. AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting (http://www.thewriterslife.com/evancarmichael/) gives step-by-step instruction in one of the most lucrative fields of writing that there is: direct-response copywriting. The program not only teaches the skills needed, but then gets the individual working and making money as a professional copywriter as quickly as possible. Click here to visit AWAI’s The Golden Thread's website 6 Surefire Ways Copywriting Can Build Your Business Business Building Tips from a MillionDollar Copywriter What the Worlds Greatest Pickup Artist Can Teach You About Building a Lucrative Freelance Business The Hidden Key to a Successful DirectMarketing Package What Does the Current Economic Crisis Mean to Your Future |
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