Writing Tip: The Value of Editing and Reediting

There is one bit of advice that should be the beginning writer's Rule of Thumb - The basic requirement in writing is - rewriting.

When I was beginning my writing, I was given that bit of advice from someone who had written for Hollywood. She told me - No one writes a book, they rewrite a book.

That short bit of advice took a while to fully sink in, but when it did, it made so much sense. It has become my personal writing rule. Basically, you are almost never through writing a book. Any time you think you are done with it, put it aside and let it sit for few weeks. Then, go back to it and reedit. I have found, with my own writing, where I reach a point that I have edited and reedited so many times that I don’t like the story. Even then, every time I look at it, I think, I can make small changes. At that point, I just have to tell myself – “No more. It is done."

But that time is nowhere near the first edit. So after you finish your first book and have gone through it during your first edit. You’re not anywhere done. So, go back and rewrite, edit and reedit.

Good luck.