Here's how to make life easier for your editor

Hey folks,

It’s been some week.

I found out a childhood friend passed away four months ago. We hadn’t spoken in a while. And now we will never be able to speak again.

And it got me all in my feelings thinking about how the world just goes on when someone’s candle finally goes out.

Look, folks! I know making money and all is great, but make sure you have fun while doing it.

Work with smart people. But also make sure they are amazing humans.

Because in the end, it’s the memories that matter.

Let’s get down to business.

How to make life easier for your editor

I have spent the past two weeks talking, proofreading, and editing articles of over 15 writers.

And while I love doing it—that’s helping African content writers make bread by crushing with their writing—editing can be tiring.

Especially when you end up almost rewriting the whole piece.

Look, I agree great writing starts as average writing.

Or like Ann Handley of Marketing Profs puts it…you need to get The Ugly First Draft (TUFD) out of your system.

But….

There are certain things you need to get right before you turn in your draft.

Here’s a guide I have used since those wonderful days at Pointed Copywriting (thank you, Brittany!)

• Who’s the audience? How does that affect the way and what I write?

• What’s the angle of the piece? You need to think of the angle from the point of view of your audience persona.

• Is your angle clear? Is it a strong argument? Does it water down as you progress through the article?

• Are you burying the lede? Do you even have a lede?

• Is the content comprehensive? Have you covered all the major points related to the main question or premise of your angle? Is there anything missing?

• Does the flow feel natural and logical? Do you need to move some paragraphs around?

• Is the content well researched? Have you double-checked the validity of the data and statistics you used?

• Are there any analogies (real or hypothetical) that illustrate our main point and make the piece more colorful?

Some tips to help with the above:

• Check out the top three articles and research studies (you know how to use “advanced search” to find research pieces on Google, right?) on the keyword/topic? Are there any nuanced points and rabbit holes you can explore?

• Visit the top Facebook groups or Quora/Reddit threads to see what questions and conversations readers are having.

• Use Twitter to find top tweets on the topic to get a sense of what the top influencers and experts are saying about the topic.

• If you have access to a keyword tool (Ubersuggest has a free plan you can use), find long-tail keywords (4+ words) or questions related to your angle.

Content tools

A content tool I discovered this week

Ahrefs has this collection of free SEO tools. You’ve got a broken link checker, website authority checker, Amazon keyword tool, SERP checker, and more in one place. Check it out.

Not Enough Writers

I have one ask…

If you know any African content writer or marketer who’s looking for a community of like minds, please invite them to the group. Here’s the sign-up link.

Thanks, folks!

Content writing jobs (Remote/Freelance)

✅ Copywriter, Paved | Apply here

✅ Knowledge Base Writer, Suncap Technology | Apply here

✅ Content Writer, Healthmine | Apply here

✅ Freelance Blogger, USA Link Systems | Apply here

✅ Writer/Content Strategist, Claim Your Message | Apply here

✅ And here’s a Google Docs link that also includes high-paying pitching opportunities.

All the best, folks. And please share with any of your friends/colleagues who might find this useful. 🙏🏾

My biggest takeaway this week 🚀

Stop trying to change the world. Change yourself—the “world” usually follows.

What I’m thinking about?

Pause. Think. Talk. Most folks skip the first two.

What’s your biggest content marketing challenge?

Reply to this email. Let me know what you’d like me to cover next.

I read every reply.

Plus, if you would love me to review your writing and give you feedback, you can book a time here.

Thanks for reading this far. I am grateful!

Stay safe and sane.

I’ll be back on August 13.

Dozie

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