A Checklist for Self-Editing

“It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” –Sun Tzu

Sun was known more for his prowess in guiding troops rather than putting pen to paper. However, was no slouch when it came to documenting strategies for the benefit of others who chase success, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, as evidenced by his literary classic “The Art of War.” Knowing ourselves, along with all our shortcomings and weaknesses, can be a key component of clear and competent writing.

Few writers enjoy the process of editing their own work. They would much rather pass that task on to someone else. However, this option is not always available and so the scribe must do double duty as writer and editor. This is a process fraught with pitfalls. Thankfully, Dan Shewan at Business2Community.com came up with some helpful pointers for those times when we have to edit our own work. First among his suggestions: “Identify and avoid your crutches.”