Six quotes about editing


During our Master Class on the seven different styles of nonprofit writing, we talk a bit about editing too, and knowing ourselves as writers.

As we close the workshop, I asked participants to pick one of the six quotes about editing as their own personal mantra to remember as they write and edit at work.

We’ve done this workshop several times, and while some people skip the question, 127 nonprofit communicators have answered in the last three years.

The most popular editing matras are clear. Maybe other nonprofit editors like yourself should adopt these too?

With 32% of the vote:

“The secret to editing your work is simple. You need to become its reader instead of its writer.” ~Zadie Smith

With 28% of the vote:

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”  ~Jodi Picoult

With 17% of the vote:

“Write without fear. Edit without mercy.” ~Tom Albrighton

Which one is the best reminder for you? 

Published On: May 2, 2024|Categories: Writing Skills and Content|