Copy Editing Checklist

Use this checklist alongside the Seven Sweeps Framework (see SKILL.md) as a final QA pass before delivering edited copy.

Pick the Edit Mode

Decide what you were handed before running any sweep. The mode sets how much you're allowed to change.

Point-edit mode

• [ ] Change only the line, word, or section named, plus the minimum around it needed for the edit to read cleanly (a pronoun, a transition)
• [ ] Check the edit against the AI Tells list and the surrounding voice, so the new line doesn't stand out
• [ ] Return only the changed text with a one-line reason per change, and offer one alternative if the choice is close
• [ ] Mention a serious problem elsewhere in one line at the end (a false claim, a broken CTA) without fixing it unasked
• [ ] Don't rewrite neighboring lines, add sections, or run a full sweep report

Reading taste (B and C). What the author gave you is evidence of their choices. Their vocabulary is a voice decision ("stuff" and "ship" stay), where they spent words is a priority decision, and what they left out is a scope decision. Match those; don't swap in your own.

Leave-it-alone test (all modes). For each change, ask whether it's measurably better or just different. Revert anything you can't give a reason for.

*Modes adapted from Profound's improved-copywriting and Wispr Flow's copy-editing skills (skills-marketing-library, MIT).*

Before You Start

• [ ] Pick the edit mode (above); for a point edit, stop here and use point-edit mode
• [ ] Understand the goal of this copy
• [ ] Know the target audience
• [ ] Identify the desired action
• [ ] Read through once without editing

Clarity (Sweep 1)

• [ ] Every sentence is immediately understandable
• [ ] No jargon without explanation
• [ ] Pronouns have clear references
• [ ] No sentences trying to do too much

Voice & Tone (Sweep 2)

• [ ] Consistent formality level throughout
• [ ] Brand personality maintained
• [ ] No jarring shifts in mood
• [ ] Reads well aloud

So What (Sweep 3)

• [ ] Every feature connects to a benefit
• [ ] Claims answer "why should I care?"
• [ ] Benefits connect to real desires
• [ ] No impressive-but-empty statements

Prove It (Sweep 4)

• [ ] Claims are substantiated
• [ ] Social proof is specific and attributed
• [ ] Numbers and stats have sources
• [ ] No unearned superlatives

Specificity (Sweep 5)

• [ ] Vague words replaced with concrete ones
• [ ] Numbers and timeframes included
• [ ] Generic statements made specific
• [ ] Filler content removed

Heightened Emotion (Sweep 6)

• [ ] Copy evokes feeling, not just information
• [ ] Pain points feel real
• [ ] Aspirations feel achievable
• [ ] Emotion serves the message authentically

Zero Risk (Sweep 7)

• [ ] Objections addressed near CTA
• [ ] Trust signals present
• [ ] Next steps are crystal clear
• [ ] Risk reversals stated (guarantee, trial, etc.)

AI Tells

• [ ] No "it's not X, it's Y" or "not because X, because Y" reveals
• [ ] No "no X, no Y, no Z" negation lists
• [ ] No sentences that trail restating comma clauses after the main claim (a clause adding a new fact is fine)
• [ ] No self-answered questions or colon reveals (FAQ questions and a reader's own question are fine)
• [ ] No stock openers or phrases ("In today's...", "Whether you're...", "Say goodbye to...")
• [ ] No em dashes in headlines, subheads, CTAs, ads, social posts, or subject lines; 1–2 per page max in long copy
• [ ] At most one fragment and one list of three per section (CTA microcopy and real three-feature lists don't count)
• [ ] Every vague adjective replaced with the fact it stood for

Final Checks

• [ ] No typos or grammatical errors
• [ ] Consistent formatting
• [ ] Links work (if applicable)
• [ ] Core message preserved through all edits