Earlier quoted context omitted.
> A single edit with the goal of ruthlessly eliminating every unnecessary word works wonders for any first draft. "A single edit, eliminating unnecessary words, works wonders for any first draft." It's a cheap shot (that I learned from Language Log) but if you're going to live by the sword...
> A single edit with the goal of ruthlessly eliminating every unnecessary word This phrasing makes it clear that the goal of that edit is to eliminate every unnecessary words. > A single edit, eliminating unnecessary words This phrasing implies that just one edit is needed, no particular focus, and is satisfied by eliminating some unnecessary words.
By your own interpretation, we can get rid of "ruthlessly", no?
> This phrasing implies that just one edit is needed
I don't think it does, even when disconnected from the rest of the sentence. It's fairly clear to me that it's talking about an edit where you "eliminat[e] unnecessary words" which may or may not be part of a greater editing process.