By definition writing is a solitary endeavor. Writers spend hours alone with their thoughts and a blank screen. I’m not sure if it’s the solitude or the blank screen that bothers me more.

If you write stories, blogs, poetry, or maybe even a novel, there’s a good chance you feel my pain. Things are worse if your name will be on the story. You better not screw it up because then the whole world (well not the whole world but at least a dozen or so people) will know you had a brain cramp. It’s possible that if you screw it up badly enough your career will be over (not likely. There are editors who will set you straight).

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good

Because your work will be seen by the public, writers often strive to make their words flow perfectly. Most writers, however, will never win a Pulitzer so don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.

What I mean by that is it’s better to submit a good piece (whether it’s a story, a blog or a college essay) than spend hours and hours trying to make something perfect. Perfect isn’t an option.

I once spent two hours toiling over the usage of the words “an” or “the.”  I think I went back and forth 47 times. In the end it didn’t matter. My editor rewrote the sentence.

My advice, turn in well-written and spell checked (you’d be surprised how many people fail to spell check) story/blog/college essay and let the editors work their magic. A good editor will usually make your work better if you don’t mind making a few tweaks.

Check your ego at the door

It’s the “a few tweaks” part that drives writers nuts. Rewriting sections or clarifying source material makes us feel like a failure. “Why didn’t I see that?” you might ask. It’s because you’ve been looking at the same copy for hours if not days.

Don’t let your ego get in the way. If you disagree with the editor make your case because in the end both of you want the same outcome.