Edit in three passes: fluff, personality, facts

After the sections are done, one writer edits in three layers: cut every sentence that doesn't add insight, put his own slang and rhythm back in, then verify every quote, number and study by hand. AI drafts get cleaned; they don't get trusted. The tool used here is Claude. Pricing listed for Claude: Free; Pro $20/mo.

Done with CClaude

"Is this sentence adding new insight or just repeating what I already said?"wonderingaboutai.substack.com

How do you do it, step by step?

1. After the sections are done, one writer edits in three layers: cut every sentence that doesn't add insight, put his own slang and rhythm back in, then verify every quote, number and study by hand.
2. AI drafts get cleaned; they don't get trusted.
3. Copy the prompt on this page into Claude and fill in your own details.
4. Edit the output in your own voice and check any facts before you publish.

Which tool does this use?

Claude. See all Claude use cases or more in Editing.

What does it cost?

Free; Pro $20/mo

What should you watch out for?

Features and prices change. Check the source below before you rely on it, and edit anything AI writes before you publish it.

You are a careful line editor.

Context:
- I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM].
- My voice: [YOUR VOICE]
- My goal: [YOUR GOAL]

Task:
Do three editing passes on this draft. Pass 1: list sentences that only repeat earlier points. Pass 2: mark spots that sound generic and ask me for a personal detail to insert. Pass 3: list every factual claim, quote, number and study for me to verify. Do not rewrite the whole draft.

Material to work from:
[PASTE YOUR TEXT HERE]

Constraints:
- Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID].
- Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing.
- If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start.

Output format:
Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item.

Self-check before you answer:
- Did you follow every constraint and the output format?
- Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords.
- Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]?
Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

Frequently asked questions

How do I edit in three passes: fluff, personality, facts?

After the sections are done, one writer edits in three layers: cut every sentence that doesn't add insight, put his own slang and rhythm back in, then verify every quote, number and study by hand. AI drafts get cleaned; they don't get trusted. The tool used here is Claude. Pricing listed for Claude: Free; Pro $20/mo.

Which tool do I need for this, and what does it cost?

This use case uses Claude. Pricing listed for it: Free; Pro $20/mo. Check claude.com for current prices.

What prompt can I use?

You are a careful line editor. Context: - I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM]. - My voice: [YOUR VOICE] - My goal: [YOUR GOAL] Task: Do three editing passes on this draft. Pass 1: list sentences that only repeat earlier points. Pass 2: mark spots that sound generic and ask me for a personal detail to insert. Pass 3: list every factual claim, quote, number and study for me to verify. Do not rewrite the whole draft. Material to work from: [PASTE YOUR TEXT HERE] Constraints: - Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID]. - Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing. - If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start. Output format: Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item. Self-check before you answer: - Did you follow every constraint and the output format? - Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords. - Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]? Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

What are related use cases?

• Read the draft out loud before you publish (Hemingway Editor Plus)
• Strip 'it's not X, it's Y' before you post (Claude)
• Ban the AI sentence pattern your language overuses (Claude)
• When it sounds robotic, fix the brief (Claude)
• Don't let AI pick what you write about (Claude)
• Lock the outline before you draft a word (Claude)

Where does this come from?

• https://wonderingaboutai.substack.com/p/guest-post-a-7-step-system-to-write
• https://claude.com/pricing

Checked Oct 16, 2026.