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NEW POWER WRITING FEATURE: An Editorial Makeover

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Why Powerful Writing Is Important

One of the ways I work with clients is to help them improve their writing. It might not be fair or accurate, but people judge our ability to reason by how we express ourselves in writing.

Thinking . . . writing . . . business . . . thinking . . . we can’t separate them.

Together they determine our place in society. Whether you blog, write for business, or only email, writing is critical to your future.

New Feature: An Editorial Makeover

I’m introducing a new feature — An Editorial Makeover. It’s a Content Edit — a Before and After — where you can look over my shoulder. Every editor edits differently. You won’t agree with all of my choices. That could make for great conversation.

I’m starting with a paragraph from my own work Bad Boys of Business: That’s Not “Real” Work.

Turn the page to see the first Editorial Makeover.

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Before — What I Actually Wrote

Look who came riding in behind the Bad Boys of Writing. It’s the Bad Boys of Business. They’re just as seductive and tricky as their counterparts, and they do [see insert] just as much damage. Get these con guys in your head and they can totally blow your productivity.

Meet their leader [see insert], Bad Boy 1: That’s Not Real Work. [see insert]

Stressed Out Before We Start

We’re about to sit down and get to work, and then we realize that our desk is still covered with remnants of our last task [see insert]. Time to clean up before we start a new one. Get [see insert] a fresh view in our head.[see insert]. That’s when this bad boy shows up. [see insert].

“That’s not real work. [see insert],” he says.

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After — How I Actually Revised It

Look who came riding in behind the Bad Boys of Writing. It’s the Bad Boys of Business. They’re just as seductive as their counterparts, and like their writing friends, they do damage. Get these con guys in your head and they can blow your productivity.

Meet their point man, Bad Boy 1: That’s Not Real Work. You’re wasting time.

Stressed Before We Start

We’re about to work, and we realize that our desk is covered with stuff. Time to clean up, to get a fresh view before we start. That’s when this bad boy starts talking.

“That’s not real work. You’re wasting time,” he says.

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Want an Editorial Makeover?

Send 2-3 paragraphs of your writing. I’ll use your work for the next makeover. I’ll be gentle and I’ll keep it confidential. If you’re worried, you might have a friend send your submission for you. Email your work to Editorial Makeover at [email protected].

–ME “Liz” Strauss
If you’d like Liz to coach you with your writing, visit the Work with Liz!! page in the sidebar.

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