How do you edit your work?
Sources:
Lex Fridman extensively discusses the editing process with various guests on his podcast. Here are some insights about editing from his conversations:
-
Rob Reid on Editing:
- Rob Reid emphasizes that a significant portion of creating great work is editing rather than initial writing. For every hour spent writing new prose, he spends up to ten hours editing. This involves everything from micro-edits, such as adjusting the rhythm of sentences, to macro-edits, like cutting down extensive drafts to manageable sizes. He believes that the "sparkle" of any creative work largely comes from this extensive editing process 1.
-
Steven Pressfield on Writing and Editing:
- Steven Pressfield agrees that editing is crucial in the writing process. He views editing as something distinct from writing—a process that involves looking at the overall work and assessing its coherence. He collaborates closely with his editor, Sean Coyne, who helps him understand what works and what doesn’t in his manuscripts. This collaboration helps Pressfield maintain an objective perspective on his work 2.
-
Karl Deisseroth on Writing Style and Editing:
- Karl Deisseroth explores how the psychological state during different times of the day affects his creativity and editing process. He finds that late hours of the night are most conducive for writing without the critical inner voice disrupting his flow. Deisseroth also adapts his writing style to reflect the different psychiatric disorders he discusses in his book, immersing himself in the mental states of his characters to ensure authenticity 3.
From these conversations, it is evident that a considerable amount of time, effort, and often collaboration goes into the editing process, which is crucial for producing polished and impactful work.
RELATED QUESTIONS-
