I’ve previously shared my 4-step editing process ; today let’s
examine one of those steps: micro-editing, which focuses on the
sentence level. Typically, it deals with the “technical” aspects
of the article, such as sentence structure, style, usage,
spelling, grammar, and punctuation. For now we’ll set aside
spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and look at seven other
aspects of micro-editing: 1. Strive for clarity. Does the reader
understand what you are trying to say? No matter whom you write
for, your audience will appreciate clear, concise language. Keep
the writing lean and focused. As Strunk and White say, “Make
every word tell.” 2. Write compactly. As writers, editors, and
PR professionals, we must fight for readers’ attention. One way
is to be brief. Omit needless words. Write in the active voice.
Eliminate tepid modifiers, such as “really” and “very.” In the
words of Mark Twain: “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re
inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the
writing will be just as it