Knowing what not to say is an important writing skill. It’s something we can learn whether we write traditionally or use generative AI.
This skill matters at all stages of writing, from the blank page to the final draft. It’s about making cuts that improve the text.
There isn’t a universal rule about what to delete and what to save. In each case, we think about what we want to communicate to our readers. Then, we take away anything that might bury the message.
Cutting questions
Useful content questions to ask are:
- Why would readers want to know this?
- What do readers need to know?
- Would this try a reader’s patience?
Useful language questions to ask are:
- Can this sentence say the same thing with fewer words?
- Is this the most efficient way to deliver this point to a reader who is short on time?
- Is the reader likely to forget the beginning of the sentence before they get to the end?
Working with human editors
Many types of editing are content oriented these days. So, if you work with an editor and want advice on cuts, it’s worth asking. A human editor can help when you’re not sure what to keep and what to lose.
I can give advice, but only for shorter texts and on the understanding that my knowledge of the subject does not equal that of the client. As an editor, I look at documents in terms of the reader’s experience of the text. This isn’t the same as advising on messaging or strategy.
TIDE and CANUTE 