No Such Thing as Perfection
I used to say I had passion for perfection in writing. Recently, I realized it’s the ongoing process of perfecting that matters. Perfection doesn’t exist. Like any fine craftsmanship, the more skilled we become the more nuances we see. The more we know our work can always be better.
My satisfaction in writing comes from moving words around and cutting those not needed. This is a never-ending process. I might think a sentence is great today, then rewrite or delete it tomorrow. Almost always, I can use fewer words to say what I want to say.
Three editing concepts provided insights and inspiration when I was tempted to walk away from writing my book Losing Your Job & Finding Yourself. These still guide me as a business writer and editor who never has enough red pens.
Writing and editing are different processes and skills
- Let your words flow and fix them later
- All writers need editors; others see things you miss
Great writing happens in rewriting and editing
- Famous writers expect first drafts to be bad (aka vomit or garbage)
- First drafts are for you; rewrites are for your readers
- Writers and editors create magic when they respect and trust each other; both must check their egos at the door
Less is almost always more
- Cut unnecessary words
- Identify and stay focused on your main message
- Consider whether you have multiple key messages or story lines that would be better as separate pieces
So, next time you feel insulted or defensive when a colleague gets out their red pen, think again. Open your mind to putting different words in different places and cutting words that aren’t needed.