Most writers will agree that there are times when editing feels easier than writing something new. It is usually when you are in the midst of writer's block or not feeling particularly inspired and you would rather be doing anything except working on your manuscript. On the face of it editing would seem to be the more difficult chore, given that it requires more attention to detail and involves fixing and improving things rather than just getting them down on paper. So why, at times, does it feel like the easier road?
When you're editing, you're working with a draft that already has a structure, making it easier to see what needs improvement. You have a foundation to build upon, which can be less daunting than starting from scratch with that blinking cursor on an empty page. There is something about holding a red pen or highlighter in your hand and circling, underlining and crossing things out that feels like you are making progress. Editing also allows for a more objective evaluation of your work. You're reviewing something that's already there (and thus doesn't need any inspiring creativity), which can make it easier to spot errors, inconsistencies, or areas that need enhancement. Even reading something you've written aloud engages a different sense, which helps see how it can be improved.
When you're editing, you're working with a draft that already has a structure, making it easier to see what needs improvement. You have a foundation to build upon, which can be less daunting than starting from scratch with that blinking cursor on an empty page. There is something about holding a red pen or highlighter in your hand and circling, underlining and crossing things out that feels like you are making progress. Editing also allows for a more objective evaluation of your work. You're reviewing something that's already there (and thus doesn't need any inspiring creativity), which can make it easier to spot errors, inconsistencies, or areas that need enhancement. Even reading something you've written aloud engages a different sense, which helps see how it can be improved.
There's generally less pressure when editing (unless you're on a crazy deadline) because the creative and conceptual work (which is the hard part) is already done. You're fine-tuning and refining, which can feel less intimidating than generating new ideas and content. Furthermore, editing typically involves specific goals, such as improving clarity, grammar, or coherence. These objectives provide a clear roadmap for what needs to be addressed, reducing ambiguity. Editing is quite a mechanical task with set rules to follow, which can be much less mentally taxing than creativity.
Perhaps one of the best things about editing is the immediate feedback it offers. When you write, progress may not be as visible until you've completed a significant portion of the work, whereas when editing the results happen in real time, which can be very motivating. With editing you can revisit your work multiple times, making gradual improvements with each pass. This iterative nature can provide a sense of accomplishment at each stage and can again be motivating when you know the next time your work will become even more polished and refined. This tangible progress helps to spur you on.
Some writers struggle with writer's block or the initial resistance to putting words on the page, even if they really enjoy writing. Editing bypasses this initial hurdle since you're working with existing content. Even editing a completely different piece of writing can get your brain into gear. Having a collection of projects on the go can actually be an effective way to get around writer's block as it means you are doing something, rather than avoiding the task at hand.
Ultimately writing and editing are both essential components of the writing process, and they complement each other. Effective writing almost always involves multiple rounds of drafting and editing to produce high-quality work. Writers may find that the skills they develop in editing also enhance their writing abilities, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two processes.
Perhaps one of the best things about editing is the immediate feedback it offers. When you write, progress may not be as visible until you've completed a significant portion of the work, whereas when editing the results happen in real time, which can be very motivating. With editing you can revisit your work multiple times, making gradual improvements with each pass. This iterative nature can provide a sense of accomplishment at each stage and can again be motivating when you know the next time your work will become even more polished and refined. This tangible progress helps to spur you on.
Some writers struggle with writer's block or the initial resistance to putting words on the page, even if they really enjoy writing. Editing bypasses this initial hurdle since you're working with existing content. Even editing a completely different piece of writing can get your brain into gear. Having a collection of projects on the go can actually be an effective way to get around writer's block as it means you are doing something, rather than avoiding the task at hand.
Ultimately writing and editing are both essential components of the writing process, and they complement each other. Effective writing almost always involves multiple rounds of drafting and editing to produce high-quality work. Writers may find that the skills they develop in editing also enhance their writing abilities, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two processes.