Step 5 — Editing & Fact Check (Beginner-Friendly)
In this lesson you will make your draft accurate, clear, and consistent. You will check facts, correct names and dates, fix confusing sentences, and make sure the tone feels warm and helpful. You will also check links, small visuals, and basic accessibility. The goal is a clean draft that is ready for design, approvals, and publishing.
What “editing & fact check” means in simple words
Editing means improving the writing so it is easy to read and understand. Fact check means confirming that anything that can be checked is correct, such as numbers, quotes, names, and links. In this step you read your draft with fresh eyes and use short checklists to catch problems. You correct them now so the next steps go smoothly.
How Step 5 connects to Steps 1–4
Editing works best when you follow simple layers: first fix the big path and logic, then fix sentences, then fix tiny details like commas and small typos. You will also check facts and links before you move forward. The small systems below make the work calm and repeatable.
Goal: “Download the weekly planning checklist.” During editing you check that the action appears near the top and near the end using the same words, that the examples match the headings, and that any numbers (like “two out of one hundred”) are written the same way everywhere.
Editing roadmap (small flow)
Big path
logic & order
Clarity
simple words
Consistency
terms & tone
Fact check
names & data
Links & visuals
alt & labels
Proofread
tiny fixes
You can do these layers in short sessions. Do not try to do everything at once.
Editing layers in one view
| Layer | What you look for | Fix in simple words |
|---|---|---|
| Substance (big path) | Order of sections, missing steps, repeated ideas | Reorder headings, add a missing small step, remove repeats |
| Line (sentence level) | Long or hard sentences, heavy words | Split long lines, swap heavy words for simple ones |
| Copy (labels & terms) | Headings, button text, consistent names | Use the same words everywhere for the same thing |
| Proof (tiny details) | Typos, commas, capitals, spacing | Fix small mistakes and keep spacing neat |
| Fact check | Names, dates, numbers, quotes, links | Confirm in sources and add short notes like “checked on 24 Oct 2025” |
Step 5A — Prepare a calm editing setup
Just like drafting, a quiet setup helps editing. Open your draft, your outline from Step 3, and your sources log from Step 2. Turn on “track changes” if your tool supports it, or make a copy named with today’s date. Keep a checklist beside you so you can move through the layers without guessing.
Files open
- Draft (today’s copy)
- Outline & promise
- Sources log
Timer
- Edit for 25 minutes, rest for 5.
- Do one layer per block.
Checklist
- Big path → Clarity → Consistency
- Fact check → Links/visuals → Proof
Step 5B — Substance edit: fix the big path first
Read only the headings and the first sentence of each section. Ask: Does this move the reader from the first question to the action smoothly? If a section does not help the promise, cut it or move it to FAQ. If something important is missing, add one short section with a clear example.
You see two sections that both teach the same small idea about “time blocking.” Combine them into one and place a single example under it. Move a long story to the FAQ as a short answer.
Step 5C — Read aloud once (the “friend test”)
Read the draft out loud, slowly. If you run out of breath before a full stop, the sentence is likely too long. Split it. If you trip over a word, rewrite it in plain words. Imagine a friend is listening. If the message would confuse them, rewrite the sentence so it is easy to say and easy to hear.
| Too long | Plain split |
|---|---|
| “To operationalize the framework, it is imperative to synergize…” | “To use this plan, do these steps. First, draw three boxes. Next, pick your topics.” |
| “Given the multiplicity of variables involved…” | “There are many things to consider. We will keep only the few that matter here.” |
Step 5D — Clarity pass: shorter, kinder sentences
Change heavy words to everyday words. Remove repeated phrases. Replace vague verbs with action verbs that fit beginners. Use “you” to speak directly to the reader. Keep paragraphs short and focused on one idea.
Plain language
- “Use this one-page checklist.”
- “Draw three boxes.”
- “Place one short task on each day.”
Heavy language
- “Leverage a consolidated artifact.”
- “Instantiate a tri-partite schema.”
- “Operationalize daily initiative allocation.”
Step 5E — Consistency pass: terms, numbers, and names
Pick one version of important words and use it everywhere. Write numbers in the same style (for example, “two out of one hundred” or “2 out of 100”). Check the spelling of names and keep it the same in every place. This small discipline removes doubt for the reader.
| Item | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Action text | Same words in top and end? | “Download the weekly planning checklist” in both spots |
| Numbers | Same style across the page? | Use “2 out of 100” everywhere |
| Names | Spelled the same? | Correct once; find & replace carefully |
Step 5F — Fact check: confirm what can be checked
Open your sources log from Step 2. For each claim that mentions a number, a date, a person, a place, or a product, confirm the details. Add a small note like “checked on 24 Oct 2025” after the reference in your notes (you can hide these in the final design if you wish). If you cannot confirm a claim, remove it or rewrite it as a general observation without numbers.
| Thing to check | How to check | If unsure |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers (percentages, counts) | Find the original source. Avoid “someone said” links. | Remove the number or say “many”/“few” without a number. |
| Quotes | Confirm exact words and who said them. | Paraphrase and remove quote marks. |
| Dates | Write date in full to avoid confusion (24 Oct 2025). | State a month or year only if exact date is not needed. |
| Names | Check spelling on an official page. | Use a role name if you cannot confirm (“the editor”). |
You wrote “At least 3 out of 100 readers will subscribe within 30 days.” Confirm you use “3 out of 100” the same way everywhere and that “30 days” is the time window you agreed in Step 1. Add a note in your log: “checked 24 Oct 2025.”
Step 5G — Update your sources log (simple table)
Keep a small table inside your notes that lists each source, what it supports, and the last checked date. This table helps you and others revisit the content later.
| Source | What it supports | Used where | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner forum thread | Common questions from new bloggers | FAQ in Step 3 and Step 4 | 24 Oct 2025 |
| Tool help page | How to export a checklist | Action helper line | 24 Oct 2025 |
Step 5H — Links and labels: make them clear and alive
Use descriptive link text so people who use screen readers know what the link does. Check that links open the correct page and are not broken. If you use tracking codes, make sure they are added correctly and do not break the link. Avoid saying “click here.”
| Weak | Better |
|---|---|
| Click here | Download the weekly planning checklist |
| This page | See the 7‑day plan example |
Step 5I — Visuals and alt text: help every reader
When you include a table, a diagram, or a screenshot, add a short alt text line that says what the visual shows. Keep it short and factual. If the visual is only decorative (rare in this course), consider removing it. We use visuals to teach, not to decorate.
[visual: 7‑day plan table — alt: “A simple 7‑day table with one short task per day.”]
Step 5J — Numbers and small calculations: sanity checks
Double-check any math inside the content. If you show “2 out of 100” and later say “3%,” the numbers disagree. Keep one method so readers do not get mixed messages. When in doubt, keep the simple fraction or a round percentage and be consistent.
| Shown | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “2 out of 100” | Same everywhere? | Use “2 out of 100” in all places, or change all to “2%.” |
| “10 minutes total” | Steps add to 10? | If steps add to 12, adjust or say “about ten minutes.” |
Step 5K — Safety, compliance, and kindness
If your topic touches health, money, safety, or other sensitive areas, add a gentle note that this is general information, not personal advice. Check any required notices you need to include. Keep the tone respectful and avoid promising results you cannot control.
“This guide is friendly information for planning your week. It is not medical or legal advice.”
Step 5L — Formatting tidy-up: headings, lists, and tables
Keep a simple structure: H2 for main sections, H3 for sub-sections, short paragraphs, simple lists for steps, and small tables for quick reading. Remove extra spaces and fix spacing around headings. Consistent structure makes the page easy to scan.
| Thing | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Headings | Used in order (H2 → H3)? | Do not skip levels; do not style a paragraph to look like a heading. |
| Lists | Short and parallel? | Make bullets start the same way; keep each to one idea. |
| Tables | Few columns? | Keep columns narrow with short labels. |
Step 5M — Voice and tone: keep it warm and steady
Use the same friendly voice across the page. If you added a strict or sharp sentence during drafting, soften it now. Speak to the reader with respect. Show how to do something and give a small reason why it helps.
Warm & steady
- “You can copy this 7‑day plan and make it your own.”
- “If you miss a day, move the task and write a small note.”
Sharp or strict
- “You must follow this exactly.”
- “Do not miss days.”
Step 5N — Remove filler and repeat lines
Cut words that add length but not meaning. Look for phrases like “in order to,” “basically,” “actually,” and “the fact that.” Replace them with shorter words or remove them. This keeps reading easy and shows respect for the reader’s time.
| Filler | Simple swap |
|---|---|
| in order to | to |
| basically / actually | (remove) |
| the fact that | that |
Step 5O — Link check and small tracking
Click every link. Make sure it opens correctly and matches the label. If you add tracking codes, keep them short and readable. Do not break the link with extra symbols. Avoid tracking on the action link if it makes the text messy.
| Link | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Download the weekly planning checklist | OK | Opens the correct file; label matches |
| See the 7‑day plan example | OK | Scrolls to the right section |
Step 5P — Accessibility quick audit
Scan your page for a few basics: headings in order, descriptive links, alt text for visuals, and enough contrast between text and background. Keep paragraphs short for easier reading. If you use a table, make sure header cells are marked with <th>.
| Check | Quick visual |
|---|---|
| Headings in order | |
| Descriptive links | |
| Alt text added | |
| Contrast OK |
Step 5Q — Proofread: tiny details pass
Now fix small errors. Look for missing periods, double spaces, inconsistent capitalization, and punctuation around lists and quotes. Read from the end backward for a minute to catch typos. If you can, let the draft rest for a short break and read again.
Change “Its easy to plan” to “It’s easy to plan.” Remove double spaces. Make list punctuations consistent.
Step 5R — Mobile and print preview
Preview the page on a small screen. Check that headings wrap nicely, tables are not too wide, and the action button is easy to tap. Print a one-page version to see if the layout still reads well. If something breaks, adjust the wording, shorten labels, or split a table.
| Thing | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tables | Too wide on mobile? | Reduce columns or split into two small tables. |
| Buttons | Text wraps badly? | Shorten the label but keep the meaning. |
Swimlane — who does what in Step 5
If you work alone, do the same steps yourself. A short break between passes helps you see more clearly.
Practice lab — edit a short paragraph
Below is a small paragraph with problems. Under it you will see a cleaned version. You can use this as practice by writing your own “clean” version first, then compare.
| Original (needs editing) | Cleaned (after Step 5) |
|---|---|
| “Planning your week is basically very important in order to make sure that you are moving in the right direction, however without a framework you might not be able to accomplish the desired outcomes which is why we are proposing a simple structure.” | “Planning your week helps you move in the right direction. If you do not have a simple structure, it is easy to get lost. Here is a small plan you can copy.” |
Small KPI table (editing progress)
Use a tiny KPI table to see progress across the layers. This is not strict; it only helps you see where to spend the next editing block.
| Layer | Status | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Substance | Good | |
| Clarity | Needs a little work | |
| Fact check | In progress |
Common problems and easy fixes (quick table)
| Problem | What you will see | Simple fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too much jargon | Big words that beginners do not use | Swap for everyday words and add one-line explanations |
| Repeating ideas | Two sections teach the same thing | Combine or move one to the FAQ with a short answer |
| Wrong or loose numbers | Numbers do not match or have no source | Confirm in the source log or remove the number |
| Hidden action | Action appears once or uses different words | Repeat action near top and end using the same words |
| Broken links | Links do not open or go to the wrong place | Fix labels and URLs; keep link text descriptive |
Your final ready check for Step 5
Give yourself a quick score on five items. If two or more are weak, spend one more short block to improve them. This ready check helps you hand off a clean draft to Step 6 (Visuals & Design).
| Item | What “ready” looks like | Quick visual |
|---|---|---|
| Big path | Headings in a helpful order with no gaps | |
| Clarity | Short sentences; plain words; examples placed under points | |
| Consistency | Same words for the same thing; numbers match | |
| Fact check | Names, dates, quotes, links confirmed | |
| Proofread | Typos and small errors removed |
Hand-off notes (to Step 6 — Visuals & Design)
- Save the clean draft with today’s date and “v2” or “clean.”
- Make a small list of visuals with alt text and owners.
- Place the sources log in the same folder.
- Share the draft with your editor or teammate for a quick sanity read.
Because you edited in layers and checked facts, Step 6 will be faster and more enjoyable.