Day 103: Major Writing Process—Editing

Let me give you three quotes that are particularly appropriate here (one of which you have already seen).

 
  1. It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly. (C.J. Cherryh)
  2. Rewriting is the essence of writing well: it’s where the game is won or lost. That idea is hard to accept. We all have an emotional equity in our first draft; we can’t believe that it wasn’t born perfect. But the odds are close to 100 percent that it wasn’t. (William Zinsser)
  3. Rewriting is called revision in the literary and publishing trade because it springs from re-viewing, that is to say, looking at your copy again—and again and again. (Jacques Barzun)

 

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After you write, put away your document. Leave it long enough so that you may see it without preconceptions and without remembering what you were thinking at the time. Then look at it again. Does it satisfy your purpose? Have you communicated clearly? Can you make it more concise without losing essential content? Are the ideas logically presented? Keep criticizing it, refining it, until it is as good as it can be. Then give it to others (perhaps your editor) to evaluate.

Here’s the main point: Your first draft will need editing. The editing process is what will make your document an effective communication tool, regardless of the genre. Make sure you have time for this stage. It is critical.

Here’s the secondary point: If others recommend (or make) changes, don’t be offended. First drafts will always need improvements.