copy-editing

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• SKILL.md
• ai_pattern_detector.py · scripts/
• readability_scorer.py · scripts/
• style_checker.py · scripts/

SKILL.md (first lines)

# Copy Editing

Systematic copy improvement through focused editorial passes that enhance clarity, voice, proof, and conversion impact.

---

## Table of Contents

- [Keywords](#keywords)
- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
- [The Seven Sweeps Framework](#the-seven-sweeps-framework)
- [Quick-Pass Editing Guide](#quick-pass-editing-guide)
- [Common Copy Problems and Fixes](#common-copy-problems-and-fixes)
- [Style Consistency Standards](#style-consistency-standards)
- [Fact-Checking Protocol](#fact-checking-protocol)
- [Editorial Checklist](#editorial-checklist)
- [Best Practices](#best-practices)
- [Integration Points](#integration-points)

---

## Keywords

copy editing, editorial review, copy feedback, proofreading, content polishing, copy sweep, editorial standards, style consistency, grammar check, fact-checking, clarity editing, voice consistency, benefit framing, proof validation, specificity, conversion copy editing, marketing copy review, copy quality

---

## Clarify First

Before editing, settle the inputs below. When one is missing or vague and would change the result, ask about it; when it wouldn't, use a sensible default and say which one you used.

- **Goal & desired action:** what the copy must get the reader to do (prioritizes the CTA / Zero Risk sweep).
- **Target audience:** who reads it and their awareness level (calibrates the So What, Specificity, and Emotion sweeps).
- **Voice & style standard:** brand voice or an existing style guide (drives the Voice and Style Consistency sweeps).
- **Edit depth:** full Seven Sweeps or a quick polish pass (sets the scope of the review).

Ask about the two or three inputs that matter most for this request, not the whole list. If the user wants a result straight away, produce it and state your assumptions at the top.

## Quick Start

### Full Copy Review (Seven Sweeps)

1. Read through once without editing to understand the whole piece
2. Sweep 1 — Clarity: flag confusing sentences, unclear references, jargon
3. Sweep 2 — Voice and Tone: flag shifts in formality, personality inconsistencies
4. Sweep 3 — So What: flag features without benefits, claims without consequences
5. Sweep 4 — Prove It: flag unsubstantiated claims, missing social proof
6. Sweep 5 — Specificity: flag vague language, round numbers, generic statements
7. Sweep 6 — Heightened Emotion: strengthen pain points, aspirations, urgency
8. Sweep 7 — Zero Risk: remove barriers near CTAs, add trust signals

### Quick Copy Pass

1. Cut filler words (very, really, just, actually, basically)
2. Replace weak verbs (utilize > use, facilitate > help, leverage > use)
3. Fix passive voice (reports are generated > we generate reports)
4. Verify one idea per sentence, one topic per paragraph
5. Check CTA for action orientation

---

## The Seven Sweeps Framework

Edit through seven sequential passes. Each focuses on one dimension. After each sweep, verify previous sweeps are not compromised.

### Sweep 1: Clarity

**Focus:** Can the reader understand what you are saying on the first read?

**What to check:**
- Sentences trying to say too much (split them)
- Unclear pronoun references ("it" — what is "it"?)
- Jargon or insider language without explanation
- Ambiguous statements that could be read two ways
- Missing context that assumes reader knowledge

**Clarity killers to fix:**

| Problem | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| Sentence over 30 words | Split into two sentences |
| Abstract language | Replace with concrete example |
| Buried main point | Move to beginning of paragraph |
| Three-clause sentence | Simplify to one or two clauses |
| Undefined acronym | Spell out on first use |

**After this sweep:** Confirm the "Rule of One" (one idea per section) and "You Rule" (copy speaks to the reader as "you") are intact.

### Sweep 2: Voice and Tone

**Focus:** Does the copy sound consistent throughout?

**What to check:**
- Shifts between formal and casual language
- Inconsistent brand personality (joking in one paragraph, corporate in the next)
- Jarring mood changes without transition
- Word choices that do not match the established voice
- Mixing "we" and "the company" references

**Voice consistency indicators:**

| Consistent | Inconsistent |
|-----------|-------------|
| Same level of contractions throughout | Contractions in some sections, full forms in others |
| Humor style maintained | Random joke in otherwise serious copy |
| Same sentence structure patterns | Short punchy intro, corporate middle, casual close |
| Consistent use of "you" | Switching between "you," "users," "customers," "one" |

**After this sweep:** Return to Sweep 1 to ensure voice edits did not introduce confusion.

### Sweep 3: So What

**Focus:** Does every claim answer "why should I care?"

**The So What test:** For every statement, ask "So what?" If the copy does not answer with a deeper benefit, it needs work.

| Before (features only) | After (feature + benefit) |
|------------------------|--------------------------|
| "Our platform uses AI-powered analytics" | "Our AI analytics surface insights you would miss manually — so you make better decisions in half the time" |
| "SOC 2 Type II certified" | "SOC 2 certified — your security team approves us in days, not months" |

From borghei/Claude-Skills, MIT.

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