Writing is hard, editing is easier

[Jerry]

Or it seems that way sometimes, maybe just in the mind. Any other editors - or writers - feel this way? I think my writing experience has given me a command of writing structure, so I often have a feeling of control when editing someone else's work. Like writing, editing takes creativity, but I enjoy using my imaginative abilities to enhance the creativity of writers. It's a teacher-student thing. I'd rather be a teacher, even though being a student seems like more fun.

www.geraldwilliamshaw.com

[Tony]

I'm both an editor and a writer. To me it's an entirely different job, and an entirely different mindset. Tell you something odd. I recently turned on my mental "inner editor" switch and gave my own work the same quality of edit as I give to others. Man, that was depressing!

I know what you mean though - when it's someone else's work in front of you, the ability to bring your own creativity and imagination to bear and maybe unlock things they either hadn't seen or thought of, is a wonderful thing. The reason editing feels "easier" is probably because someone else has done the initial heavy creative lifting, which frees us to make the work blossom and shine if we can. When you're creating from scratch, it's you that has to invent the whole world your reader sees.

Tony

[Harrison]

I think Tony is generally right. When you're the author, writing and editing are pretty much equally challenging, and what keeps a lot of talented writers from ever completing a strong novel is the revision process. But editing someone *else's* work is an altogether different exercise. I think of it sometimes as being a book detective, applying problem-solving skills to the world of (mostly) fiction.

I wouldn't say it's easier. But it's a lot more relaxing, and it comes with a lot less frustration, likely because the emotional investment is decidedly different.

Harrison Demchick
Developmental Editor, Ambitious Enterprises
www.ambitiousenterprises.com

[Tony]

Book detective...like it. Yes, can identify with that, Harrison.

Will just pop and get my fedora - which will henceforth be known as my Book Detecting Hat ;o).

Tony
Editor-in-Chief, Jefferson Franklin Editing
www.jefferson-franklin.co.uk

[Jerry]

Yeah, detective work. Sounds more romantic. I felt the same way when I started out in newspapers. You could do the work of a detective, all the intrigue without worrying about being shot at.

www.geraldwilliamshaw.com

[Lin]

I have to agree that I'd rather edit than write! I keep reminding myself of that, as I push myself to the page, but my editing work teaches me a lot about what works and what doesn't. I guess that's got to help improve my own creative writing.
Lin
Www.coinlea.co.uk

[Harrison]

Well, it gives you some insight to be sure. But even writers who are editors need editors--I know I did!--and the only real way to improve your creative writing is to make sure you set aside time for that as well.

Harrison Demchick
Developmental Editor, Ambitious Enterprises
www.ambitiousenterprises.com

[Elizabeth]

I don't edit but I do beta read, and I have to agree that it is so much easier pointing out what works and what doesn't (and why), and making suggestions about other people's work than it is recognising those very same issues in your own.
I do think, though, that beta reading is greatly helping my own writing.

[Harrison]

I understand what you're saying, but let's also be careful about perpetuating the myth that an editor's work is easy. There are so many writers out there who don't really understand what an editor does and consequently seriously devalue the work, paying what amounts to well below minimum wage. It's one of the primary factors that makes it difficult for new editors ever to make a living.

Harrison Demchick
Developmental Editor, Ambitious Enterprises
www.ambitiousenterprises.com

[Lin]

Very true - okay, let's qualify it to editing someone else's work is easier than writing my own ;)

[Tony]

For me, writing the first draft is easy.

Editing it into a coherent narrative is less so.

Editing that coherent narrative into something readable is the toughest bit of all.

Personally, I think getting distance is the trick.

[Michael]

Harrison,

I agree with your first posting, "I think my writing experience has given me a command of writing structure, so I often have a feeling of control when editing someone else's work. I also believe the opposite can be said. Editing had given me a control of my writing structure. I have learned so much from the two editors I have used. For me, the first draft is the easiest part. Correcting my grammar and rewrites,are frustrating and time consuming. In many cases, this has to be done several times. I have the upmost respect for what Editors do. They are certainly underpaid for their expertise and are not given enough credit when a book is produced. Many of the Editors ideas are what makes the book successful.