Whether you’re a LinkedIn ghostwriter crafting compelling content for executives or a thought leader shaping ideas that drive engagement, your words need to be sharp, clear, and impactful.
That’s where self-editing comes in.
A well-written and edited piece doesn’t just read better—it builds credibility, authority, and connection. So, how do you cut the fluff and make your writing stronger?
What is self-editing?
Self-editing is the process of refining your writing by removing unnecessary words, tightening your sentences, and ensuring clarity and correctness. It’s about making every word earn its place.
Consider this example:
- Before: “In order to make progress in your writing, it is necessary to take small and consistent steps over time.”
- After: “Progress in writing requires consistent small steps.”
See the difference? The second version is cleaner, more direct, and more powerful.
What weakens your writing?
The goal of editing isn’t just to make your sentences shorter—it’s to make them stronger. Here are two major aspects to watch out for when self-editing:
Things that hurt clarity & conciseness:
- Filler phrases: Cut them out. Instead of saying, “It is important to note that”, just say what to note!
- Overused adjectives & adverbs: More description isn’t always better.
- Unnecessary repetition: If you’ve already made the point, move on.
- Long, complex sentences: If a sentence has multiple commas or multiple ideas, break it up.
Things that reduce overall quality:
- Poor punctuation and spelling: A misplaced comma or misspelling can change everything. A popular example used to emphasise the importance of proper punctuation is this:
- “A woman without her man is nothing,” has a different meaning from “A woman, without her, man is nothing.” Or writing “Loose the hat” instead of “lose the hat” communicates different ideas.
- Grammar inconsistencies: Switching tenses, misplaced modifiers, and awkward phrasing can make your writing feel sloppy.
- Formatting issues: Walls of text scare readers away. Use spacing and structure wisely.
Steps to strengthen your writing
1. Identify and remove fluff
Look for redundant phrases and eliminate them.
- Before: “Advance planning is essential.”
- After: “Planning is essential.”
2. Use strong verbs
Verbs carry your sentence. Use the strongest ones possible.
- Before: “She is going to write a report.”
- After: “She will write a report.”
3. Break up long sentences
Shorter sentences improve readability and impact.
- Before: “The project, which was started three months ago, has faced a number of challenges that the team is now trying to overcome in order to meet the deadline.”
- After: “The project started three months ago. The team is working to overcome challenges and meet the deadline.”
4. Focus on key points
Ask yourself: Does this sentence add value? If not, cut it.
5. Edit in stages
- Stage 1: Structure and flow – Ensure your ideas progress coherently and logically.
- Stage 2: Sentence-level clarity – Cut any clutter and refine your wording.
- Stage 3: Proofread for accuracy – Fix grammar, spelling, and formatting.
Common editing mistakes to avoid
Many writers struggle with self-editing because they get too attached to their words. Watch out for:
- Over-editing: Be careful not to strip away too much personality or voice.
- Ignoring readability: Just because a sentence is correct doesn’t mean it is engaging.
- Skipping external feedback: Fresh eyes catch what you miss.
Editing vs. proofreading: What’s the difference?
Editing focuses on structure, clarity, and conciseness. Proofreading is the final step to catch typos, grammar errors, and formatting inconsistencies. Both matter—don’t skip either!
Other tips to keep in mind
Use smart editing tools
Editing tools can help but don’t rely on them completely. Here are some efficient ones you can adopt.
- Grammarly – Great for catching common errors.
- Hemingway Editor – Highlights complex sentences and passive voice.
- ProWritingAid – Offers deeper insights into writing style.
Read aloud
Reading your work out loud helps you catch awkward phrasing, poor transitions, and unnecessary complexity. If something sounds off, it probably is.
Get external feedback
Self-editing is valuable, but a second opinion is priceless. Ask a colleague, mentor, or professional editor to review your work.
Edit for different platforms
Not all writing needs the same level of editing. A LinkedIn post should be conversational and engaging, while a blog post can be more in-depth. Tailor your editing approach accordingly.
Practice makes perfect
Try these exercises to sharpen your editing skills. Write down what their improved versions could look like:
Exercise 1: Fluff hunting
“It is important to note that in order to succeed in writing, it is necessary to practice consistently and regularly because this helps to develop skills over time and ensures improvement.”
Your turn: How could you reduce fluff here?
Exercise 2: Sentence simplification
“The team, which was assembled in a hurry, struggled to meet the challenging deadlines that were set by the management.”
Your turn: How would you make this sharper?
Exercise 3: Key point focus
“The CEO, who recently celebrated his fifth year at the company, gave a detailed presentation about the company’s strategy. He wore a blue suit and tie while explaining how the organization would approach growth in the upcoming quarter.”
Your turn: What details matter? What can you cut?
Final thoughts
Great writing isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how clearly and effectively you say it. Thought Leaders and ghostwriters who master self-editing produce content that stands out, earns trust, and drives engagement.
Your words have power. Make sure they’re working at full strength.
Column drives B2B growth through content. Connect with us today on LinkedIn.
