Less is often more when it comes to online journalism
Any sub-editor worth their salt can transform wordy sentences into clear copy without losing any meaning.
To help sharpen your editing skills, take a look at these ten tips by Syvlia Smith, a retired reporter and former Washington editor for the Journal Gazette, writing for Global Business Journalism Program.
We use a lot of filler words when we speak which do not add much value. Avoid carrying these into written work by trimming out words like 'currently', 'very' and 'in order to'. The same is true for a lot of everyday terms.
"Look for redundant phrases: brand new; absolutely essential; tragic death; consensus of opinion; circle around. Eliminate redundancy. Shorter and simpler: new, essential, death, consensus, circle," it reads.
Do not miss our next digital journalism conference Newsrewired, with four days of panels and workshops from 19 October 2021. Check out the full agenda and tickets
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
The UK’s fastest-growing travel trade media brand seeks a full-time, NCTJ-trained journalist to join its busy news team
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Personal trainer James Hilton has launched a podcast 'Jim's Gym - Inspiring Movement'. James, a specialist in biomechanics and injury recovery from the Cotswolds, runs Jim's Gym, a virtual online space supporting people over 55 to be more active
Our 35th Newsrewired conference will be held 13 May 2025, News UK, London.
Our community of experts gives a heads-up on the most important shifts your newsroom needs to prepare for this year
Conferences and study weeks are fantastic opportunities to get the latest updates on the industry and network with your peers
If you find your social feeds a tad too heavy on men's voices, follow and connect with these fantastic women experts on indie media
How do you move print readers to digital? Are there other ways to hold on to subscribers besides a last-ditch deal?
