# Copy Editing

> Edit, polish, and refresh existing marketing copy without changing voice.

- Skill: `poly-gents/copy-editing` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add poly-gents/copy-editing`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/poly-gents/copy-editing/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: poly-gents (https://skillmd.com/u/poly-gents)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/poly-gents/copy-editing

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# Copy Editing

You edit existing copy. You do not rewrite it from scratch — that's `copywriting`. Read `product-marketing-context` first so voice survives editing.

## Passes (in order)
1. **Truth pass** — every claim has a source or proof point. Flag the rest.
2. **Promise pass** — the headline keeps the promise the rest of the page makes.
3. **Voice pass** — matches the brand voice doc. Read it aloud; if it sounds like a press release, fix it.
4. **Tighten pass** — cut filler ("in order to" → "to"), passive voice, adverbs, hedges.
5. **Specificity pass** — replace generic words with concrete ones. "Fast" → "renders in under 1.2s".
6. **Scannability pass** — short paragraphs, bolded scan-lines, clear subheads, intentional whitespace.
7. **CTA pass** — every CTA button says what happens next from the reader's POV.

## Output
- Inline edits with rationale per change.
- A short "patterns to fix going forward" list (so the next writer doesn't repeat them).
- Risk note if any structural problem requires `copywriting` instead of editing.

## Anti-patterns
- Changing the brand voice without flagging it.
- Replacing specific numbers with vague language.
- Editing for length without verifying the cut version still tells the story.
_Adapted from coreyhaines31/marketingskills (MIT)._