1. cut extra words:   that, really, very, although, moreover, therefore, in fact, that was the reason that, needless to say…
 
2. -cut adjectives and adverbs; substitute stronger verbs and nouns.
 
3. -work to eliminate the verb “to be” , especially in description
 
4. -eliminate clichés, try to tell the truth.
 
5. -streamline transitions
 
6. -eliminate passive voice where possible
 
7. look at your paragraphs, evaluate points of emphasis.  Your best sentence should be the last one in the paragraph.  Put your next best sentence first in the paragraph.  Bury the boring stuff in the middle of paragraphs.