Thread: And editor's five rules of thumb

I like numbers 2 and 4. As a writer, and later as a supervisor, I have written and edited many, many reports and the first impression is most important. That is what your target readers get. If it sounds bad first time around then it is bad. I don't like submitting a final version of anything important without having a competent person review it thoroughly in order to give me an honest opinion, even though I don't have to.

I agree Ludmila. I think it depends on the type of writing. If someone is writing fiction, their style and tone are critical to the work. On the other hand, if someone is writing a factual article or report, they should avoid inserting their own slant, or bias, in an attempt to sway the reader's opinion (that has to be edited regardless of style or tone), while an opinion piece allows for the writer to say pretty much what he feels. A good editor knows which is which.