A Well-Sharpened Pencil Writes Clean Prose

Yeah, I know it’s patently false. No matter how much you sharpen your pencil, it won’t make a difference what you write. A quote, reportedly from publisher, Dick Simon: “Write with fire, cut with ice,” has been my mantra, since I started writing.

The first task is to get my story out with as much passion as I can and then, mercifully edit, edit, edit. I was also told not to marry my work, so that I would be able to remove portions, if necessary, as a surgeon uses a cold scalpel (If I really like a turn of phrase, I cut it from the manuscript and paste it into my notes,for possible later use.).

A few months back, a publisher asked me if I would like to edit for them. Upon my approval, they sent me my first assignment. Not only did I learn much about my own writing, I also nurtured a healthy dialog with a fellow writer, during the process.

After a few more assignments, an author directly contacted me and asked if I was able to take on a freelance editing job. I recently completed her manuscript and now I can hang my shingle, “Editing for Hire.”

Editing ain’t isn’t easy, but it may pay a few bills.