I have to post these things for my dear Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor Blog when I think of them--which is usually while I'm editing. Here are a couple of phrases that contribute to wordiness.
“I find” and “taken the time to” aren’t awful phrases but they contribute to wordiness.
They can usually be deleted from copy without losing meaning and what you say without
them will be more direct, more forceful, more memorable and, well . . .
cleaner.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson edits, consults. and speaks on issues of publishing. Find her
The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers)
. Learn more about her other authors' aids at
www.howtodoitfrugally.com/writers_books.htm , where writers will find lists and other helps including
Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips 
on the Resources for Writers page. She blogs on all things publishing (not just editing!) at her
Sharing with Writers blog. She tweets writers' resources at
www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo . Please tweet this post to your followers. We all need a little help with editing. (-:
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