Copy Editing

Good copy editing enhances rather than rewrites, using one focused pass per dimension instead of trying to fix everything at once. The Seven Sweeps framework runs in sequence: Clarity (can they understand it?), Voice and Tone (does it sound consistent?), So What (does every claim answer "why should I care?"), Prove It (is every claim backed by evidence?), Specificity ("save 4 hours a week," not "save time"), Heightened Emotion (does it make the reader feel something?), and Zero Risk (are barriers to action removed?). After each sweep, loop back to check earlier ones aren't compromised, and for high-stakes copy, run an expert-panel scoring pass until every persona scores 7+.

What's inside

The playbook covers

Core PhilosophyThe Seven Sweeps FrameworkExpert Panel ScoringQuick-Pass Editing ChecksCopy Editing ChecklistCommon Copy Problems & FixesWorking with Copy SweepsReferencesContent Refresh EditingTask-Specific QuestionsWhen to Use Each Skill

Reference library — 3 deep-dives

Copy Editing ChecklistUse this checklist alongside the Seven Sweeps Framework (see SKILL.md) as a final QA pass before delivering edited copy.Content Refresh EditingCopy editing isn't just for new content. Existing pages and posts decay over time — outdated stats, stale examples, drifted brand voice, and missed SEO opportunities. A content refresh applies the same editing rigor to content that's already published.Plain English AlternativesReplace complex or pompous words with plain English alternatives.

See it in action

You ask

Edit this homepage copy for us: 'Welcome to CloudSync! We are very excited to offer you an innovative, cutting-edge platform that seamlessly integrates with your existing tools. Our powerful solution helps businesses of all sizes optimize their workflows and drive meaningful results. Get started today and experience the difference!'

The skill delivers

So What sweep

Before: "Our platform uses AI-powered analytics." So what? After: "Our AI-powered analytics surface insights you'd miss manually — so you can make better decisions in half the time."

Specificity upgrades

Save time → Save 4 hours every week Many customers → 2,847 teams Fast results → Results in 14 days Great support → Response within 2 hours

FAQ

What is the Seven Sweeps editing framework?

Seven sequential editing passes, each focused on one dimension: Clarity, Voice and Tone, So What (feature-to-benefit), Prove It (evidence), Specificity (concrete numbers), Heightened Emotion, and Zero Risk (removing friction near CTAs). Running one pass at a time catches issues that a single unfocused review misses. After each sweep you loop back through the previous ones to make sure new edits didn't reintroduce old problems.

What's the difference between copy editing and copywriting?

Copywriting is writing new copy from scratch; copy editing improves existing copy you already have. Use copy editing to polish a first draft, tighten wordy sections, add missing proof, or refresh a page that has decayed with outdated stats and drifted brand voice. If you need words on a blank page, that's a copywriting job.

What are the fastest copy edits I can make?

Cut weak intensifiers (very, really, extremely), filler (just, actually, basically), and "in order to" (use "to"). Replace inflated words: utilize → use, leverage → use, facilitate → help, seamless → smooth, cutting-edge → new. Then switch passive voice to active, keep one idea per sentence, and stay under ~25 words per sentence.

Build a tool for this workflow?

Marketers run this skill mid-task — the exact moment your tool matters. Partner tiers put your tool inside the skill their agent runs.

See partner tiers