Part Three: Twenty Ways To A More Perfect Manuscript, Page Or Post

byHowardc

2.3K followers

7 years ago

Continuing the post, helping edit posts and pages.

9. Convert negatives to positives

As you edit, key on "not" and "no."

Then say what is rather than what isn't.

Positive statements are usually more clean and direct.

Ex. The decision was not unanimous. Change to--The vote was divided.

10. Streamline sentences

Right branching sentences are better sentences.

I.e., Sentences where the subject and verb forms the trunk with the rest of the sentence parts making up the branches.

Clear English and the most energetic English comes from right branching sentences

11. Eliminate expletives

No! Not those kind!

Some of the more common ones: there were; there are; there is; it is; and it was.

Ex. There were dozens of bats hanging form the rafters.

Change to: Dozens of bats hang from the rafters.

12. Scrutinize your paragraph

Use the paragraph construction template you learned in grade school.

--topic Sentence

--three supporting sentences

--conclusion

Then check each paragraph to see if it deals with one main point or idea.

Does its internal structure follow logically from point to point?

Do your paragraphs run on in heavy blocks of gray type?

Do your paragraphs clarify, stress major ideas, sustain drama, generate pleasing rhythms?

Enough for today--maybe enough forever! If you have questions, please let me know! Blessings.