What “Editing” Really Means
The idea of “editing” a story can be deceptive. So often writers fall victim to the fantasy that they can just read through their first draft, change a few awkward sentences, and be done with the editing process.
But even on a 3th or 4th draft, “editing” often means making substantial structural and developmental changes.
In other words, serious revision. Moving scenes around. Changing the point of view. Cutting. Composing new material. Realizing that what comes halfway though the story is actually the beginning. Having new insights about your main character’s motivations that require you to make substantial revisions to almost every scene.
So often I see beginning writers who imagine writing as a three step process: (1) Write the first draft; (2) “Edit” it; (3) Publish.
If that actually works and leaves those writers feeling satisfied, then more power to them. But what many people think of as “editing,” in my experience, simply doesn’t represent the kind of bloodshed that the revision process often entails. Personally, my writing process is long, messy, unpredictable, and can involve upwards of 15 drafts.
So just know that if the process isn’t easy or quick, you’re not doing anything wrong! Hemingway famously said: “Writing is rewriting.” It takes time. It can be messy. And it’s totally normal.
Yep. That’s exactly why my first novel didn’t work, even after the tenth “revision”. I’ve learned, and I’m gonna make it better this time.
This is one reason why I think (like most writing advice) the ‘just write it’ craze is not good advice 100% of the time. Though I usually prescribe to that writing vibe, 'just write it’ should be used wisely. There are times where stopping to think can save you a butt load of time and confusion in revision. If something feels wrong, dont stop, just slow. If you can’t fix it, keep writing. If you can, you might end up revising a chapter instead of an entire manuscript.
