Is your writing fit or flabby? Enter your text into this writing tool to see:

http://writersdiet.com/?page_id=4 (external link)

The reasoning behind this tool is somewhat complicated but understandable with study. Besides its website, the tool is discussed at length here:

http://cmosshoptalk.com/2016/07/07/helen-sword-talks-about-trimming-your-prose-with-the-writers-diet/ (external link.)

Another good tool to know about:

http://www.readabilityformulas.com/flesch-reading-ease-readability-formula.php (external link)

I’ve written about the Flesch formula before. (internal link). It’s built into every modern word processor, including Microsoft Word. It keeps your writing from being too verbose. I used it in my last Rock&Gem article (internal link) to ensure I was writing at the Reader’s Digest level.

Few of us are fortunate to have an editor when we write. These online tools will give you another set of eyes, something we can all use.