While I’m currently in the middle of having my book edited for a third time, there is a lot I’ve learned about writing from having someone edit my work. I wish I learned all of this in school, but I can’t remember writing anything I cared about in school. It’s hard to learn when you don’t care and don’t see the immediate consequence of an action.
– Whatever doesn’t add subtracts
The most obvious and the most true. Delete! Delete! Delete! If something doesn’t add, it waters down your message.
– I overuse the word “That” a lot
Continuing with “addition by subtraction,” the word “That” was frequently overused. When reviewing your writing always look for little throwaway words to delete.
Taking a step away from a project helps creativity
I’ve updated a few of the jokes I didn’t feel were as strong as they could have been and even added a few new ones. When stuck, it can be helpful to move on and come back.
– The reader can’t access my mind
The rest of an analogy may be obvious to the writer, but lose half the readers. Don’t leave any thoughts unfinished.
– End sentences strong
I’ve crossed a number of examples where deleting just a few words at the end of a sentence made for a much stronger punch.
I’ve learned more than this, along with actual examples, but I’m typing on my phone with just a little battery left.
Having your writing edited is necessary for improvement. A boxer doesn’t get better by just working the bag. They need to step in the ring and be willing to take a punch to the face. It can be difficult to get better as a writer without some specific feedback.
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