Killing Your Darlings: Why Editors Need Editors Too
Updated: Apr 14
We know that ALL writers need professional editors to improve and enhance their writing, but even editors need editors themselves. It's easy to get too close to your own work, leading to blind spots where you completely miss the point you're trying to make. Having a pair of fresh eyes will give your work the essential objectivity it needs to catch technical errors, structural deviations, improve narrative, ensuring your work is consistent and clear while maintaining your voice.
Objectivity & Blind Spots
You can be an incredibly skilled writer or editor, but you still cannot effectively critique your own work. Our brains naturally fill in gaps or correct mistakes without actually fixing them for the audience. It's too easy to miss spelling mistakes and flaws within the structural flow of the story or message.
"Killing Darlings"
This is a common term used in the literary field referring to the practice of advising authors to delete beloved sentences, scenes, characters, or subplots that do not serve the intended purpose within the story. It typically pertains to unnecessary plot lines, repetitive scenes, ornate or florid language, or characters that do not advance the story or add to the plot.
Quality Assurance
A second set of eyes ensures your content is accurate, consistent, and aligned with style guidelines before publication. Editors also verify facts, correct grammar, spelling, and formatting, and improve overall readability. Having your work reviewed by a professional helps maintain your brand’s reputation and expertise.
Your work is valuable and deserves to receive the quality care an experienced and knowledgeable editor can provide to make it a masterpiece before publication.
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