Part 4/7:
Initial drafts may feel awkward, but as you progress, that confidence will emerge. After drafting, the next critical step is revision, akin to a surgeon making precise cutbacks. Elements that don’t serve the overarching message should be culled from the piece, maintaining only what is essential.
Refinement: The Power of Brevity
The journey isn’t over once the second draft is complete; further refinement is key. Zinsser advises writers to scrutinize their work with the perspective of a reader who seeks to quickly and effortlessly grasp the message. He recommends eliminating redundant words, circular expressions, and pretentious vocabulary.