Editing Through Self-Doubt

 

One of the hardest parts of editing isn't spotting plot holes or rewriting dialogue ...

FROM MY DESK 📖

It's learning to trust the person holding the red pen.

When we're deep in revisions, it's easy to question every decision.

Should that scene stay?

Would another writer do this differently?

Am I making the story better ... or breaking it?

Those questions don't disappear simply because you've become a better writer. If anything, they often become louder because you understand just how many possibilities there are. 

I've felt that myself while editing my own novel this week.

Each time I sat down to edit, there was a temptation to second-guess every change before I'd even made it. But I've realised that confidence doesn't arrive before the work begins. 

It grows because we keep showing up. 

Every scene we strengthen, every chapter we untangle, and every difficult decision we make becomes evidence that we can trust ourselves a little more than we did yesterday. 

Editing isn't just about building a stronger manuscript. It's also about building a stronger relationship with your own judgement.

The next time doubt whispers that you don't know what you're doing, remember this:

You don't need complete confidence to make your next edit. You just need enough courage to make the next thoughtful decision.

The confidence comes afterwards. 

EDITING TIP OF THE DAY ✍️

A client once asked me: what actually makes readers stay? 

Us writers often tend to chase 'perfect' sentences, but readers really chase understanding.

When readers can follow the emotional and logical flow of a scene everything lands better. Give clarity first, so your beautiful wording will have something real to support.

POSITIVE MINDSET PICK UP ✨

Resistance usually protects something important. 

If you're stuck, your brain may be guarding identity, safety, or self-worth. That doesn't make us lazy, only human. 

Shift your mindset to: 'what am I afraid this work might reveal or change?' 

If you remember just one thing from today's post, let it be this: editing is an exercise in learning to trust your own judgement. 

Did my story resonate with you?  Let me know in the comments - I'd love to hear from you!

Every story starts with a single spark, and every writer gets stuck from time to time. Keep showing up. Keep experimenting. Keep telling the stories only you can tell.

Until next time, may your stories grow wild, your edits be kind, and your brambles always lead to somewhere worth exploring 🌿