Plain Language

What is it?

 

Plain language editing strips down your message to the bare essentials and organizes the information in a clear, logical format, allowing information to be easily found and understood.

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Plain language editing makes text easier to read by

 

• organizing information

• making language consistent and concise

• removing unnecessary jargon

• using active voice

• using short, simple sentences and paragraphs

• using commonly used words

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What is it not?

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Plain language editing isn’t about oversimplifying text or condescending to your readers. It’s about making information accessible to as many people in the intended audience as possible. As in all writing and editing, intended audience is key.

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Who is it for?

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Anyone who needs to communicate information as clearly and effectively as possible can benefit from a plain language edit. A plain language edit will often be heavier and require more structural changes than a copy or line edit.

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What does it cost?

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Plain language edits cost $0.05 per word.