In the last part, we talked about how research is fundamental to creating high-quality, authoritative content. Part II focuses on the importance of the editing process.
What do you think about this very accurately-worded poster at a supermarket?
Or this almost valuable writing advice by someone online?
Clearly, these people didn’t even bother to proofread before they hit ‘publish’. You don’t have to be this person.
Whether it’s a random update on social media or a research-intensive blog on your website, getting the editing process right can help you save face from embarrassing grammatical mistakes or logical errors like these.
Because when it comes to creating content, writing is only one part of the job. Next comes the difficult but most important task of thorough editing. And in Ukti’s six years of working with diverse clients, it is our systematic editing process that has helped us deliver the best results.
Here are some key insights into running a failproof editing process, whether you’re self-editing or managing a small team of editors like us.
Love It or Hate It, But You Cannot Ignore It
“It is perfectly okay to write garbage – as long as you edit it brilliantly.”
– C. J. Cherryh
After hours of research and writing, editing your work (or someone else’s) might be the last thing you’d want to do. It can be quite tiring, and honestly, overwhelming to get into the editor mode. But, love it or hate it, the secret to good writing is even better editing.
It’s what separates a hastily put-together, erroneous first draft from a coherent, structured, and logically sound content piece. It’s what turns an “average” idea into a memorable one and brings value to your reader with enough care and attention.
As a writer, the biggest mistake we can make is assuming that our first draft is IT. But the best content writers know that it’s not true. You’ll only be compromising the content quality and killing value for the reader.
Which is why, at Ukti, we implement the editing process with the precision of an Obsidian blade. Every piece of content we create goes through rounds of editing, feedback, and incessant revisions so that the final copy is spotless.
A rigorous editing process helps us:
Fix factual and grammatical errors in the content
Organise original and compelling ideas into a logical structure
Refine the syntax and tone of content
Elevate the delivery of the message
Do note: Before we go into any of the above steps, we make sure the angle and arguments used in the content align with the purpose of the content. If the content feels lacking, we typically send back the piece for a rework based on editor’s comment. Only then do we start refining the prose.
The Four Stages of Editing Excellence
Here’s the four-step editing process that helps us bring value to our content (and now they can help you too!)
#1 Fixing Factual and Grammatical Errors in the Content
It’s always a good idea to first read through the content thoroughly and start with the basics. You know – grammatical errors, missing or misplaced punctuations, spelling errors, spacing, formatting, and the works.
This helps your mind get into that space where you can scrutinise and start thinking analytically. To make things even simpler, you can also rely on tools like Grammarly and Hemingway to fix readability issues.
#2 Assembling Original and Compelling Ideas into a Logical Structure
Now, we look for how smoothly are the ideas presented in the content, and if they flow logically. While writing, it is common to get lost in the flow and divert from the central idea you are trying to communicate.
So, here’s what we do. We break down the content and tackle it, one manageable piece at a time. We check for the flow of messaging, fluff, redundant ideas, and factual inaccuracies to ensure that the ideas flow naturally. This is where we cut everything and anything that doesn’t serve the audience.
#3 Refining the Syntax and Tone of Content
Next, we focus on improving the framing of the marketing message. To ensure the use of the right tone and style, therefore, we edit the piece to suit the preferences of the audience and the content channel it’ll be published on. Do our audiences prefer a semi-formal tone? Is a witty tone suitable for the given context? Will a conversational tone distract the reader from the seriousness of the message?
We take care of such details by looking out for the use of jargon, cliches, awkward phrasing, passive voice, and repetition.
#4 Elevating the Delivery of the Message
Finally, the idea is to highlight the brand voice, bring clarity, instil value, and make sure that the copy is engaging for the reader. While the above step usually takes care of the delivery, we still go ahead and do one last review.
As an editor, it is our job to make sure every little detail is taken care of, and the message is delivered to its audience with the right intention.
How We Make Editing Easier for Our Team
Sure, a systematic editing process helps us bring out the best in our writing. But what helps us make it even simpler for the editors are these tricks.
#1 Training Sessions
At Ukti, regular training sessions allow editors and writers to keep up with the changing content requirements and manage expectations. Moreover, the training material is always accessible, so we can get back to it at our convenience and work through any challenges.
#2 Style Guides
For every brand we work on, our content leads work with the editors to create a thorough style guide. This is a fundamental asset for both the writers and editors.
These style guides highlight the
- Brand voice
- Target Audience
- Content structure
- Approach
- Tone
- Style
- Voice
Besides, we also use a collection of samples that are loved and approved by your clients to set quality expectations.
#3 Show, Don’t Tell
When you’re editing, it’s easy to forget about what’s most important – giving the writer the opportunity to learn and improve. Want to save your and their time spent on multiple revisions? Take hints from Erica Schneider and follow the show-don’t-tell technique as we do.
Don’t do all the heavy lifting alone and end it with feedback.
Instead, Erica suggests explaining to the writer the changes you made – the what, the why, and the how. That too, only in the first 30% of the draft. Let them self-edit the latter 70% as an opportunity to improve. And let me tell you, it works! This process has helped our team be more efficient as writers and as editors.
#4 Discuss and Work Together
As a small team of editors, we often rely on each other to share learning resources to improve our craft, discuss editing processes and opinions on a shared group chat, and work through our challenges together. Consider it within your team, and you might crack the code to editing efficiency.
Get, Set, Edit!
As I said earlier, if you want to write better blog content, you need to master the art of editing. Because ultimately, a thorough editing process is what will help you truly bring out the ideas, elevate the quality, and enhance the clarity of the written word.
Need help creating and editing high-quality, engaging content for your audience? Leave that to us! Connect with Ukti to outsource your content creation and do more for your business.
Stay Tuned for Part 3 of our series!