Have you ever reread something you wrote and thought, “It’s good… but it still feels a little flat”?
Not bad. Just… meh.
The good news? You don’t need to scrap the whole thing. A few small editing tweaks can breathe life back into your words and help your message shine with purpose.
Here are three of my favorite ways to turn “good enough” into “just right”—while empowering your voice in the process.
✂️ 1. Trim the Clutter
Extra words can weigh down your message and bury your point.
Look for filler words (really, just, very), repetitive phrases, and anything you could say more clearly in fewer words.
Example:
- Before: In order to improve your writing, you really need to be editing it with clarity in mind.
- After: To improve your writing, edit with clarity in mind.
Quick tip: If you’re hesitant to delete a phrase, use strikethrough first. Experiment! Simplifying often makes your writing stronger, not weaker.
💡 2. Start Strong, Not Safe
Your first sentence sets the tone—and it’s what pulls your reader in.
Start with a bold statement, a thoughtful question, or a vivid image. Once you’ve grabbed attention, you can unpack your message from there.
Example:
- Instead of: This blog post is going to teach you a few editing techniques…
- Try: Your writing isn’t bad—it’s just buried. Let’s uncover the gold.
Encouragement: Your first line doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest and worth reading.
🔁 3. Replace Passive with Purpose
Passive voice isn’t always wrong—but when overused, it makes writing feel distant or dull.
Look for phrases like was, is, or has been. Then ask: would an active verb bring more energy and clarity?
Example:
- Passive: The article was written by our intern.
- Active: Our intern wrote the article.
Bonus: Read both versions aloud. Which one sounds more confident? More natural? Choose the version that feels like you.
✨ For more on this, check out my post: Passive Voice Gets a Bad Rap—Here’s When It Works
And as you refine your words, keep this truth in mind:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” —Colossians 3:23
Your writing has purpose. It’s worth shaping with care and intention.
💛 Final Thoughts:
Now that you’ve got these editing tools in hand, it’s time to use them.
You don’t need a brand-new draft—just a fresh perspective and a few intentional tweaks.
Editing isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, strength, and making your message sound more like you.
And remember:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” —Philippians 1:6
You’re not alone in this process. God is with you in the refining—and He’s not finished with your story.
📌 P.S. Need help giving (or receiving) feedback?
How to Give Feedback Without the Fluff: SBI for Writers and Editors -a favorite among writers and editors for giving thoughtful, actionable critique.
Master The Art of Receiving Feedback: Become Resilient, Not Defeated – Learn tips for receiving tough feedback and how to use it as a stepping stone to success.
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