Self-editing tip: Make sure it’s essential 

One of the most challenging aspects of the editing process is being honest with yourself about what to leave in and what to cut. A writer is understandably invested in each sentence they author but must also recognize that they owe it to the reader to remain on topic without going down rabbit holes that water down the piece. 
 
If you need to reduce the length of a story to improve readability, try this strategy. Scan each sentence and ask yourself whether it matches the purpose of the piece. Does it share a nugget of essential information? Does it add a perspective that might inspire the reader to view the issue differently? Does it build toward your conclusion? Could you say it in five words instead of 10? 
 
The goal is to be as efficient and economical as possible. You may love the way you wrote a particular sentence, but if you examine it through this lens and determine it’s not essential, grit your teeth and dump it. 

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