This may shock you…

Writing is only a small chunk of copywriting.

The 3 main phases of copywriting include:

Copy editing is the last step in the copywriting process.

Before submitting work to clients, you’ll need to edit your writing.

To turn your clunky draft into a clear, concise and persuasive sales message.

The overall goal is to write the most persuasive message, using the least number of words.

Every word serves a purpose.

If it doesn’t?

Remove it.

You’ll want to copy edit for grammar, “flow” and ensure it is as persuasive as possible to your target audience and related to what you’re selling.

Without editing, your writing would be unreadable gibberish.

Often, my first draft is GARBAGE.

This is a good thing though…

When writing your first draft, you just want to just let errr rip.

Let all your ideas, thoughts and feelings flow out of your head, onto your paper.

Do not edit.

But then…

After you’ve done this…

You want to edit your writing.

Joseph Sugarman explained how his first few drafts are often unreadable trash.

But after editing?

He creates copywriting masterpieces that destroy competition and sell millions worth of products.

The real magic happens after you revise your copy, several times.

By spending the time to edit your copy, you will create a very persuasive message, that is clear concise and easy to read for your target audience.

Which will boost results for you and your clients.

I’ve got something very special for you.

I’m going to break down the copy editing process and share the exact technique I use to edit my copy before submitting it to clients.

I learned this copy editing technique from Ben Settle.

I have refined it and added my own “spin.”

Here it is:

After my first draft…

I read my writing 10 times, out loud.

Every time I trip over bumps (long-winded sentences, misspellings, unclear language… anything that slows the reading process), I smooth them out.

Also…

In between readthroughs (every other readthrough), I’ll review my market research notes.

Why?

To make sure that I’ve included every main selling point: emotional triggers, benefits, handle objections, etc.

Remember:

The main goal of copy editing is to convey your sales message in the most powerful way, using the least number of words.

After reading aloud 10x, your copy will read as smooth as a baby’s head.

It’s amazing how much of a difference the 1st draft and last draft are.

After I’ve read through my copy 10 times, I’ll copy and paste everything into Grammarly.com.

Grammarly is an easy-to-use app for editing grammar.

I only edit the obvious misspellings (underlined in red).

However, I do NOT pay attention to any other suggestions it provides.

Why?

Because Grammarly gives terrible advice for copywriters.

Their advice is not helpful for writing persuasive, conversational copy.

I strongly advise you do NOT follow it’s advice… only use it to edit major spelling errors.

Also…

Sometimes, I’ll copy and paste everything into the Hemingway App.

I only use the grade level feature (strive to have writing readable at a 5th grade level).

Good copy should be readable at a 5th grade level. If not, it’s too complicated and may confuse readers.

This app gives tips to help you achieve the 5th grade level.

Your readers only care about what’s in it for them.

So, to keep them reading your copy, put your copy under the “So what?” microscope.

As you read your claims, benefits, features… ask yourself - “so what?"

Do this for every sentence you write.

If you edit this way, you will create VERY persuasive copy.

Follow this “how to copy edit” guide (and the copy editing 5 tips) the next time you edit your writing.

The more time you spend trimming, refining and simplifying your message, the more effective it’ll be at driving results.