Editing with Data: Turn Readability Scores into an Action Plan

Published October 03, 2025 • 8–12 min read

Learn a practical workflow to convert readability diagnostics into specific edits—sentence trims, jargon swaps, and structure fixes—without flattening your voice.

Start with a Baseline

Paste a representative sample (300–500 words) into your analyzer. Record word count, sentences, Flesch, and FK Grade. Note where the score dips: long sentences, dense noun phrases, or unexplained terms.

Prioritize High‑Impact Edits

Cut run‑ons first. Target average sentence length of 15–20 words. Replace nominalizations (make a decision → decide). Convert passive voice to active where clarity improves. Define the first instance of acronyms.

Structure for Scanning

Readers skim. Use descriptive H2/H3 headings. Convert enumerations into bulleted lists. Front‑load outcomes and decisions. Keep one idea per paragraph to make it easy to rephrase later.

Use a Style Pass

Check for filler (really, very, actually), hedge words (might, could), and stacked prepositional phrases. Swap abstract nouns for concrete verbs. Vary sentence starts to avoid monotony.

Measure Again

Re-run the same sample. Look for improved words‑per‑sentence and a small lift in Flesch. If the score barely moves, look for jargon clusters or missing definitions. For expert audiences, aim for clarity over chasing a perfect number.

Create a Reusable Checklist

Turn your best edits into a one‑page checklist. Apply it to drafts before review. Over time, your baseline will improve, and your team will ship clearer content faster.

Score → Edit Map

Diagnostic	Likely cause	Specific edit
Long sentences	Stacked clauses	Split once; turn lists into bullets.
Low word variety	Boilerplate or filler	Cut fluff; add a concrete example.
Hard vocabulary	Unexplained jargon	Define once; keep the precise term.

90‑Minute Editing Sprint

Run score + frequency; highlight top 10 friction spots.
Fix sentences with a “one verb per clause” rule.
Insert one table or checklist; add alt text and captions.
Re‑run metrics and attach diffs to the ticket.

Reading a Score Report

Treat metrics as triage: fix what most blocks comprehension first (run‑on sentences), then polish (variety, transitions). Attach before/after snippets to show exactly what changed.

Rewrite Ladder

Cut needless preambles (“In order to…”, “It should be noted…”).
Split multi‑clause sentences once.
Swap abstract nouns for verbs (“utilization” → “use”).
Replace vague adverbs with measurements or examples.

From Metric to Edit: Examples

Metric spike	Likely issue	Edit
High syllables/word	Nominalizations	Turn nouns into verbs (“implementation” → “implement”).
Low sentence count	Run‑ons	Split at conjunctions; remove nested clauses.
Low paragraph count	Walls of text	Break into steps or add a short table.

Reviewer Notes Template

Top friction spots: <list>
Edits made: <bulleted>
Evidence added: <table/checklist/example>
Re‑run results: <score deltas>

Priority Matrix

Issue	Impact	Effort	Pick first?
Run‑on sentences	High	Low	Yes
Missing examples	Medium	Medium	Yes
Jargon overload	High	Medium	Yes
Minor variety tweaks	Low	Low	Later

Score Delta Log

Before → After
Sentences/paragraph: 2.1 → 3.4
Flesch: 52 → 66
TTR: 0.41 → 0.53
Edits: split sentences, add example table, define acronyms

Score‑Aware Drafting

Draft with a target in mind: decide acceptable ranges for sentence length and grade level before writing. This reduces heavy edits later.

Evidence Injection Menu

Mini table comparing two options
Worked example with numbers
Definition callout with one‑line plain‑language gloss
Before/after snippet

From Scores to Tickets

Translate each diagnostic into a small ticket with a specific edit, owner, and expected score delta. Close the loop by attaching before/after snippets.

Example Ticket Set

Issue	Edit	Owner	Done when
Run‑ons in intro	Split; add one example	Writer	Flesch > 60
Jargon in steps	Glossary link + plain text	Editor	Terms defined
No comparison	Add 4‑row table	PM	CTR +5%