copy-copy-editinglisted

# Copy Editing — The Three-Pass Edit Editing is not rewriting; it is **protecting the reader's time**. Break the order and you force a re-read, so never mix passes. ## Pass 1 — Structure (order of content) - Does the first paragraph state the conclusion? (Inverted pyramid: conclusion → evidence → background) - One paragraph = one topic. Two topics means split it. - If you read only the headings, is the summary complete? - A paragraph whose removal loses no meaning → delete it. ## Pass 2 — Sentences (within a single line) - Max 40 words per sentence, one screen line. Split long sentences into two. - Replace weak verbs: nominalized/passive constructions → a real verb ("a review is being requested" → "please review") - Turn passive voice into active. Strip adverbs (very, really, truly) from verbs. - No same word twice in a row, no 3rd repeat in one sentence. Keep tense and formality level consistent. - Restore nominalized verbs (nominal -ing/-tion forms) back to verb form. ## Pass 3 — Final (notation) - Consistent rules for numbers, units, abbreviations (Arabic numerals in prose; expand abbreviations on first use) - Check special characters, consecutive spaces, zero-width characters, typos. - Link text must describe the destination ("here" is banned). ## Defensive Checklist [ ] Benefit in the first sentence [ ] One primary CTA [ ] Unverifiable superlatives deleted [ ] Reader stated explicitly [ ] Core three lines reachable on a 5-second scan ## Output Per-pass change