GEO GUIDE
Copy Polishing: Subtraction Beats Addition
Updated 2026-10-19 · this page makes no search or citation promises
The direct answer: polishing is about cutting, not adding — good writing isn't written, it's rewritten by deletion. Five directions, three techniques, one iron rule.
The direct answer: polishing is about cutting, not adding — good writing isn't written, it's rewritten by deletion. Five directions, three techniques, one iron rule.
Five cutting directions
- Cut filler words.
- Cut empty phrases.
- Cut over-modification.
- Cut repeated information.
- Cut passive voice.
Three rewriting techniques
- Split long sentences.
- Abstract to concrete.
- Passive to active.
One iron rule
Before deleting a qualifier, ask: is the sentence still accurate without it? If not, add it back — accuracy always beats flow.