---
name: Editing & Proofreading
description: Edit in passes, each with one focus.
---
# Editing & Proofreading

Editing is structural; proofreading is mechanical. Doing both at once means you fix commas while a whole section is in the wrong place.

## Passes (in order)
1. **Structure.** Does the argument build? Is anything in the wrong place, repeated, or missing? Move big pieces, don't fuss words yet.
2. **Paragraphs.** One idea each. Topic sentence first. Cut paragraphs that don't advance the argument.
3. **Sentences.** Active voice, concrete subjects, short where possible. Find the verb hiding in a nominalization ("make a decision" → "decide").
4. **Words.** Cut adverbs and adjectives the verb and noun already imply. Replace abstractions with concrete examples.
5. **Mechanics (proofread).** Spelling, punctuation, consistency. Read it aloud or backwards-by-sentence to break the auto-correct in your head.

## Distance
You can't edit what you just wrote. Sleep on it, or have someone else read it. Fresh eyes see what yours filled in.