Top ten list: an editor's pet peeves #10

Passivity—make every word count

Avoid passive voice

How often have you heard the advice (or command): “Write in active voice, not passive!”

Probably about as often as you hear “Never use an adverb!”

Like with most topics in this 10-part series on making every word count, these aren’t “always do this, never do that” rules. They are advice, tips, and techniques to make your writing tighter…