Lannon, Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13- EDITING FOR READABLE STYLE

This chapter is about creating a "readable" style, basically making you wording such that the readers will be able to understand and follow what you say because of the way you say it.  style consists of:
1. the construction of sentences
2. length of sentences
3. connection between sentences
4. wording and phrases
5. tone
A good writing style will keep the reader from having to do more work then necessary. With out an easy to understand and read style, your work will loose impact and readers.
CLEAR, CONCISE, FLUENT, EXACT, LIKEABLE- this is what your style needs to be.

Editing for Clarity
**rule of thumb: a clear sentence should require only one read through.
-avoid ambiguous pronoun references (he she it they their)
-avoid ambiguous modifiers (make it obvious which subject is being modified)
-unstack modifying nouns (too many nouns)
- arrange word order for coherence and emphasis (each idea and sentence building on the previous)
-use active voice ( I did it vs. it was done by me)
-selective use of passive voice
- avoid over stuffed sentences (too much detail)

Editing for Conciseness
**most information, fewest words
-avoid wordy phrases
-eliminate redundancy
-avoid needless repetition
-avoid using "there" as a sentence starter
-avoid "it" sentence starters
-delete needless prefaces
-avoid weak verbs
-avoid excessive prepositions
-fight noun addiction (nouns made from verbs)
-make negatives positive (use different wording)
- take out clutter words (very, really, actually, currently)
-no needless qualifiers (i feel, i think)

Editing for Fluency
fluidity--making things flow
-combine related ideas
-vary sentence length and construction
-short sentences=emphasis

Finding the Exact Words
-simple and familiar wording
-avoid useless jargon
-use few well know acronyms unless explained
-avoid being trite (cliches)
-avoid misleading euphemisms
-avoid overstatement
-avoid imprecise wording
-be specific and concrete

Adjusting your tone
1) distance between reader and writer
2) attitude towards subject
-use occasional contraction
-address readers directly
-use i and we when appropriate
-active voice
-positive emphasis
-avoid informal tone
-avoid personal bias
-avoid sexist usage
-avoid offensive wording

Considering the cultural context 
guidelines are for the north american standard and may not translate well to other cultures.

Legal and ethical implications of word choice
use careful word choice and avoid offending persons.

Using automated editing tools effectively 
Don't rely on automated tools because although they check spelling and some grammar it's pretty much guaranteed that some error will be missed.