Nib #35 — Be a “Taker-Outer”

When it comes to editing, do yourself a favor: be a “taker-outer” and not a “putter-inner.” Here’s how.

Step one is pre-writing. Before you do anything else, make a plan of everything you want to say. Every argument, every statistic, every point, analogy, and anecdote.

Step two is including all of that content in your first draft — no matter how clunky or disorganized. Leave nothing out. This may make your first draft overlong. But that’s okay. 

So long as the draft includes everything you want to say, you put yourself ahead of the game. Because then your editing process will be less about “re-writing” (which is hard) and more about de-cluttering (which is easier).

A good, content-comprehensive first draft allows writers to approach the editing and revision process the way Michelangelo approached sculpting:

“The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”

That’s what editing is at its best: chiseling away the superfluous material until all that’s left is the tight, compelling composition you meant to write all along. 

Take time in your pre-writing and drafting process to get everything you know you need in there. Then “all that’s left” is taking out what you don’t.

Until next week… keep writing!