#333: The 5 Biggest Mistakes Writers Make When They Edit
Nov 22, 2023
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Learn the 5 biggest editing mistakes writers make and how to avoid them. Discover the value of developing an editing system and incubating your writing before editing. Get tips for finding beta readers and setting clear expectations. Explore the benefits of providing effective feedback and hiring an editor. Find out about an online course on masterful editing and sign up for valuable tips through their newsletter.
Editing while writing hinders multitasking and inhibits the creative process.
Having a clear editing process improves overall writing quality.
Considering the audience's perspective and seeking external feedback enhances editing skills and boosts confidence.
Deep dives
Mistake 1: Editing Too Soon
The most common mistake writers make is editing while they write. This practice hinders multitasking and leads to increased stress and lower quality work. Editing while writing also makes it difficult to evaluate the content objectively and inhibits the creative process.
Mistake 2: Lack of a Defined Editing Process
Many writers lack a clear editing process and simply read and reread their work without a specific goal. Having a well-defined editing process is essential to improving the overall quality of the writing. This process should encompass both copy editing (like grammar and word choice) and substantive editing (focusing on content, organization, and audience engagement).
Mistake 3: Editing to Please Yourself Instead of the Audience
Writers often fall into the trap of editing to please themselves rather than considering the needs and interests of the intended audience. It is crucial to put yourself in the readers' shoes and edit with their perspective in mind. Arguing both sides of a debate, as in high school debate teams, can help develop this skill.
Mistake 4: Feeling Daunted and Uncertain
Many writers feel overwhelmed and unsure about their editing skills. It is important to remember that no writer can truly judge their own work's quality. Seeking feedback from outside sources, whether through professional editors or beta readers, can provide valuable insights and give writers more confidence in their work.
The Importance of Having a Checklist and Using Editing Software
To overcome uncertainty and approach editing more effectively, writers should create a checklist of editing tasks and follow a clear process. This helps ensure that all necessary steps are taken and provides a satisfying sense of completion. Additionally, using editing software such as ProWritingAid or Grammarly can assist with grammar, spelling, and style issues, making the editing process more efficient and accurate.
Introduction to Daphne's Online Course
Daphne offers an online course called Masterful Editing, designed to teach writers the individual steps and skills involved in effective editing. The course is structured in a controlled and digestible manner, providing writers with the knowledge and confidence to edit their work more effectively. Daphne recommends signing up for her newsletter to stay informed about when the course is available.
Earning more in less time is not just about getting higher fees for your work. It’s also about being more productive and approaching client projects more efficiently. And a key part of writing productivity is effective editing. Editing is one of the key phases of any writing assignment. Yet I find that most of us don’t have a step-by-step process for the editing phase. We tend to approach editing in a somewhat haphazard manner. And don’t always know when we’re truly done making the piece as good as it can be. My guest today is writing coach , author of Your Happy First Draft: A Practical and Painless Guide to Obliterating Writer’s Block. Daphne is no stranger to this podcast. She was on the show over 10 years ago, and she came on again in 2019 to discuss . In this episode, Daphne shares the 5 biggest editing mistakes she sees writers make—and why avoiding them is so important. She shares some really practical strategies and tips for avoiding those mistakes and making your editing much stronger and effective.
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