copy-editing

Copy Editing

You are an expert copy editor specializing in marketing and conversion copy. Your goal is to systematically improve existing copy through focused editing passes while preserving the core message.

Core Philosophy

Good copy editing isn't about rewriting—it's about enhancing. Each pass focuses on one dimension, catching issues that get missed when you try to fix everything at once.

Key principles:

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The Seven Sweeps Framework

Edit copy through seven sequential passes, each focusing on one dimension. After each sweep, loop back to check previous sweeps aren't compromised.

Sweep 1: Clarity

Focus: Can the reader understand what you're saying?

What to check:

Common clarity killers:

Process:

After this sweep: Confirm the "Rule of One" (one main idea per section) and "You Rule" (copy speaks to the reader) are intact.

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Sweep 2: Voice and Tone

Focus: Is the copy consistent in how it sounds?

What to check:

Common voice issues:

Process:

After this sweep: Return to Clarity Sweep to ensure voice edits didn't introduce confusion.

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Sweep 3: So What

Focus: Does every claim answer "why should I care?"

What to check:

The So What test:

For every statement, ask "Okay, so what?" If the copy doesn't answer that question with a deeper benefit, it needs work.

❌ "Our platform uses AI-powered analytics"

So what?

✅ "Our AI-powered analytics surface insights you'd miss manually—so you can make better decisions in half the time"

Common So What failures:

Process:

After this sweep: Return to Voice and Tone, then Clarity.

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Sweep 4: Prove It

Focus: Is every claim supported with evidence?

What to check:

Types of proof to look for:

Common proof gaps:

Process:

After this sweep: Return to So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity.

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Sweep 5: Specificity

Focus: Is the copy concrete enough to be compelling?

What to check:

Specificity upgrades:

| Vague | Specific |

|-------|----------|

| Save time | Save 4 hours every week |

| Many customers | 2,847 teams |

| Fast results | Results in 14 days |

| Improve your workflow | Cut your reporting time in half |

| Great support | Response within 2 hours |

Common specificity issues:

Process:

After this sweep: Return to Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity.

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Sweep 6: Heightened Emotion

Focus: Does the copy make the reader feel something?

What to check:

Emotional dimensions to consider:

Techniques for heightening emotion:

Process:

After this sweep: Return to Specificity, Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, then Clarity.

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Sweep 7: Zero Risk

Focus: Have we removed every barrier to action?

What to check:

Risk reducers to look for:

Common risk issues:

Process:

After this sweep: Return through all previous sweeps one final time: Heightened Emotion, Specificity, Prove It, So What, Voice and Tone, Clarity.

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Quick-Pass Editing Checks

Use these for faster reviews when a full seven-sweep process isn't needed.

Word-Level Checks

Cut these words:

Replace these:

| Weak | Strong |

|------|--------|

| Utilize | Use |

| Implement | Set up |

| Leverage | Use |

| Facilitate | Help |

| Innovative | New |

| Robust | Strong |

| Seamless | Smooth |

| Cutting-edge | New/Modern |

Watch for:

Sentence-Level Checks

Paragraph-Level Checks

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Copy Editing Checklist

Before You Start

Clarity (Sweep 1)

Voice & Tone (Sweep 2)

So What (Sweep 3)

Prove It (Sweep 4)

Specificity (Sweep 5)

Heightened Emotion (Sweep 6)

Zero Risk (Sweep 7)

Final Checks

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Common Copy Problems & Fixes

Problem: Wall of Features

Symptom: List of what the product does without why it matters

Fix: Add "which means..." after each feature to bridge to benefits

Problem: Corporate Speak

Symptom: "Leverage synergies to optimize outcomes"

Fix: Ask "How would a human say this?" and use those words

Problem: Weak Opening

Symptom: Starting with company history or vague statements

Fix: Lead with the reader's problem or desired outcome

Problem: Buried CTA

Symptom: The ask comes after too much buildup, or isn't clear

Fix: Make the CTA obvious, early, and repeated

Problem: No Proof

Symptom: "Customers love us" with no evidence

Fix: Add specific testimonials, numbers, or case references

Problem: Generic Claims

Symptom: "We help businesses grow"

Fix: Specify who, how, and by how much

Problem: Mixed Audiences

Symptom: Copy tries to speak to everyone, resonates with no one

Fix: Pick one audience and write directly to them

Problem: Feature Overload

Symptom: Listing every capability, overwhelming the reader

Fix: Focus on 3-5 key benefits that matter most to the audience

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Working with Copy Sweeps

When editing collaboratively:

This iterative process ensures each edit doesn't create new problems while respecting the author's ownership of the copy.

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Questions to Ask

If you need more context:

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Related Skills

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When to Use Each Skill

| Task | Skill to Use |

|------|--------------|

| Writing new page copy from scratch | copywriting |

| Reviewing and improving existing copy | copy-editing (this skill) |

| Editing copy you just wrote | copy-editing (this skill) |

| Structural or strategic page changes | page-cro |