5. Editing Fearlessly
Staying aligned with the project’s purpose is necessary as we refine and rewrite. Adding and subtracting words courageously without compromise is part of powerful writing.
The goal we are trying to reach must be clear in order for the writing to be. First, we must ask, what is the reason for writing? The purpose we set out to fulfill sets the course like sailors navigating by the north star.
I set out to help others by sharing what I have learned, even from the difficult things I have been through. By helping others, the pain I have suffered is transformed into a higher purpose, and there is nothing to regret. No matter how difficult some of the things we can go through are, if we turn them into wisdom that can help others, then what was once bad can become good. Beyond healing myself, there is deep fulfillment that comes from assisting others by sharing how I transformed betrayal into knowledge and disappointment into strength. The purpose of my writing that sets my course is to help others with what helped me.
Writing must be edited like a sculptor removes anything unnecessary to reveal their vision beneath the once unshaped stone. No matter how fond we are of the words and their arrangement, we must boldly let go of any that do not serve the purpose of the writing. Only what helps take the reader to where the words are meant to take them should remain.
The act of writing is only for us, but remember that once written, refined, and shared, it is for the reader. No matter how clever we think our words are, a writer must bravely let go of everything unimportant. The job is to keep what enhances the reader’s journey to the writing’s destination. To know what is on the path of any particular writing, we must first be clear about where we want the words to end up. As important as knowing what the story is, is understanding its purpose. The vision of any writing comes from our reason for writing it. We will not lose our way if we keep true to the goal. We will know what belongs if we stay clear about why we are writing.
I sent my writing to multiple test readers to get their feedback, and I asked them to suggest any edits along the way. Once I had done that, I began seeking a professional proofreader. I asked an author friend for recommendations. Once you find proofreaders, it is essential to give them a small test (send them a small number of pages to edit) before you decide to hire them to edit your whole book. Some proofreaders will do this initial number of pages for free.
Here is why this test is essential:
The first proofreader I was introduced to suggested many edits that changed my writing voice. They could not leave my unique writing voice intact and just focused on typos and grammar errors.
The second proofreader understood that my unique way of formulating my thoughts and structuring my stories was my creative license and to be preserved.
So I hired a second proofreader.
If you need a proofreader recommendation, please Contact Me.
Next lesson in the course coming soon!
Read my memoir ➡️ https://www.incandescencebook.com/
See my videos ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@The_Creativity_Show
See my art ➡️ https://clarecooley.com/shop/
This 10-week course is FREE.
Clare Cooley is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant
from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Praise for Clare Cooley’s Memoir
See Clare’s Most Recent LIVE Book Reading
Get Incandescence: Rising Above Darkness
Formats
Where to buy
Art Featured In The Book
Clare’s Memoir features 68 images of her art and 40 photos of her making art.