One of the biggest challenges I face is managing the drafting and editing process. I tend to edit as I write, which slows me down tremendously. Or I'll write a complete draft but then feel overwhelmed by the editing phase.
I know the conventional wisdom is to separate drafting and editing into distinct phases, but in practice, this is harder than it sounds. When I see a sentence that's not working, I want to fix it immediately. When I notice plot holes, I want to address them right away.
How do you approach the drafting and editing process in a way that's both efficient and effective? What systems or mindsets have helped you?
Specifically, I'm curious about:
- How many drafts do you typically go through?
- Do you edit as you write or in separate passes?
- How do you decide when a draft is "done"?
- What's your process for getting feedback and incorporating it?
- How do you handle major structural changes vs line edits?
I'd love to hear how others navigate the drafting and editing process without getting stuck in endless revisions.
I know the conventional wisdom is to separate drafting and editing into distinct phases, but in practice, this is harder than it sounds. When I see a sentence that's not working, I want to fix it immediately. When I notice plot holes, I want to address them right away.
How do you approach the drafting and editing process in a way that's both efficient and effective? What systems or mindsets have helped you?
Specifically, I'm curious about:
- How many drafts do you typically go through?
- Do you edit as you write or in separate passes?
- How do you decide when a draft is "done"?
- What's your process for getting feedback and incorporating it?
- How do you handle major structural changes vs line edits?
I'd love to hear how others navigate the drafting and editing process without getting stuck in endless revisions.
