To become a better editor, choose a style guide to ensure consistency, understand grammar and punctuation are still important, and know your audience so the content is valuable for them. Be open to feedback without taking it personally, do thorough research and fact checking before editing, and remember that doing the job right the first time saves time in the long run.

1. TIPSTO BECOME A
BETTER EDITOR
Tabula Rasa –White Paper, Red Pen LLC

2. Choose a style guide
 As former journalists, we prefer AP style to the Chicago Manual of Style.
We use it in conjunction with our own style guide, which sets the
standards for our internal/external communications, website, and
presentations (among many other documents). Using a style guide
takes the guess work out of editing. Choose wisely the one that best
suits your needs to ensure consistent use.

3. Make friends with grammar
 It seems counterproductive in our digital society where acronyms have
taken over. Slang may work with some clients but it won’t work for all.
Grammar and punctuation are as important ever – even if you think it
isn’t potential business partners and clients just might. Don’t let laziness
cost you business.

4. Know your audience
 Regardless if you’re editing an email to a colleague, a business letter,
white paper or social media posts (yes, they should be edited, too) think
about your audience. Ensuring your content is appropriate and valuable
for your audience shows them you’re fully engaged with their
needs/wants.

5. Check your ego at the door
 Be open to what others have to say and to constructive criticism.You’ll
quickly learn the difference between a personal attack and professional
feedback.Take what you like and leave the rest.

6. DoYour Homework
 Good editing begins before a word is written. It starts with research,
fact checking and then writing. Don’t take shortcuts. Check and re-
check your facts. Practice makes perfect – well it makes it easier. No one
is perfect.

7. Remember:
 If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it
over - JohnWooden, legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach.