How to edit content – and what not to do

We’ve spent the last 2.5 years editing content almost every single day.

And we’ve learned that good editing is, more often than not, the difference between good and great writing.

The problem: Most people can’t edit well. Here are a few tips to better editing and great content.

Editing your own writing

1. Wait at least 12 hours (24-plus is ideal) before editing your own stuff. 
2. Scan it once and make edits to the obvious errors. Here, evaluate if the structure needs changing.
3. Let some time pass, then read it in detail, word by word, making detailed edits.

Editing other people’s writing

1. Remember that you don’t have a monopoly on style. Don’t nitpick every single word and phrase because it’s not exactly how you would have written it.
2. With the above in mind, follow the same steps you’d use to edit your own writing.
3. If you’re confused about something, ask the writer before changing it. This creates trust and respect between both of you. Don’t assume, ask.
4. If you’re new to working with a writer, leave edits as comments on a Google Doc so the writer can see what you’re changing.

One final tip

If you’re editing someone else’s writing and you believe that this someone is a good writer, your edit document shouldn’t look like an apocalyptic war zone. 

If you find yourself changing multiple items per sentence, they’re either a) not a good writer, or b) it’s bad editing.