Quick Help: Editing for memorable prose

• Identify the words you want to emphasize. If you’ve buried those words in the middle of a sentence, edit the sentence to change their position. The end and the beginning are generally the most emphatic.
• Note any sentences that include a series of words, phrases, or clauses. Arrange the items in the series in climactic order, with the most important item last.
• Underline all verbs, and look to see whether you rely too much on be, do, and have. If so, try to substitute more specific verbs.