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The Importance of Editing

Writing a story is easy, but editing it until it is perfect can be a challenge. However, editing is an essential part of the writing process, and it is what makes a good story great. David Sedaris, the acclaimed humorist and author, is a master of editing his work. Here are some of his tips for editing your story.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Editing
• Editing for Clarity
• Killing Your Darlings
• The Power of Revision
• Getting Feedback

Editing for Clarity

One of the most important things to keep in mind when editing your story is clarity. You want your readers to understand exactly what you are trying to say, and the best way to do that is to be clear and concise in your writing.

David Sedaris suggests reading your story out loud to yourself. This will help you identify any parts of the story that may be confusing or difficult to understand. If you stumble over a sentence, it may be a sign that it needs to be reworded or cut altogether.

It is also important to pay attention to the structure of your story. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next and that your ideas are presented in a logical and easy-to-follow order. If your story jumps around too much, it can be hard for readers to keep up.

Killing Your Darlings

One of the hardest things for writers to do is to cut out parts of their story that they love but that don't serve the overall narrative. This is known as "killing your darlings," and it is essential to the editing process.

David Sedaris suggests being ruthless when it comes to cutting out unnecessary parts of your story. If a sentence or paragraph doesn't move the story forward or add anything of value, it should be cut. This can be difficult, but it will ultimately make your story stronger.

It can also be helpful to have a trusted friend or colleague read your story and give you honest feedback. They may be able to identify parts of the story that can be cut or suggest ways to make it stronger.

The Power of Revision

Revision is an essential part of the editing process. It allows you to go back over your story and make changes that will improve it. David Sedaris suggests revising your story multiple times, each time focusing on a different aspect.

For example, in the first revision, you may focus on clarity and structure. In the second revision, you may focus on character development and dialogue. By breaking the revision process down into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can ensure that you are giving each aspect of your story the attention it deserves.

It can also be helpful to take a break between revisions. This will allow you to come back to your story with fresh eyes and a new perspective. You may notice things that you missed before or have new ideas for how to improve the story.

Getting Feedback

As mentioned earlier, getting feedback from others can be incredibly helpful during the editing process. However, it is important to choose your readers wisely. Look for people who are familiar with the genre you are writing in and who will give you honest and constructive feedback.

David Sedaris suggests finding a writing group or workshop where you can share your work and get feedback from other writers. This can be a great way to get feedback from people who understand the writing process and can offer valuable insights into how to improve your story.

Conclusion

Editing is an essential part of the writing process, and it is what makes a good story great. By following David Sedaris's tips for editing your story, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and compelling. Remember to be ruthless when it comes to cutting unnecessary parts of your story, and to revise your work multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time. And don't be afraid to get feedback from others – it can be incredibly helpful in making your story the best it can be.