Ed... Another trick for self editing that works great is to read the copy outloud to yourself, or preferably to another person. If in ordinary speaking it is awkward then it will read that way and needs refining.
Joe: You know of what you speak, no pun intended. I always read aloud. If a writer can't vocalize his own stuff without stuttering or getting fumble mouthed, he'd better start over. But it drives my wife nuts. First I dictate into the hand-held; then she types the stuff by transcribing my tapes; and finally she has to listen me drone on...and on...and on, while going through the usual ten to twenty re-writes as I refine and dictate over not quite satisfactory text. Reading aloud works wonders. But it's a strain on domestic tranquility. EDM
