“What Being an Editor Taught Me About Writing”

Article by a Random House editor has a lot of takeaways for writers in general… and screenwriters.

At the end of the year, I always go through my saved article files. Found this one: What Being an Editor Taught Me About Writing, by Anna Pitoniak, fellow Yalie and an editor at Random House. Here are her insights:

Writing is Revision
The first draft is important, because you are working out the ideas and the plot on the page, and getting that first draft finished is an accomplishment, but what really matters is how many times you are willing to revise that draft.

Remain Flexible
As time goes by, it can be increasingly unappealing to make big changes. The best thing you can do is remain fully open-minded to suggestions — both minor and radical.

The Beginning is the Most Important
The beginning matters; it matters more than any other part of the book. As a writer, you only have so long to hook the reader.

Pay Attention to Pacing
Pacing doesn’t necessarily need to be the first thing you worry about as a writer, but it is a layer you must work on after the words are on the page.

Skip the Stage Directions
When I’m editing others’ work, I always cut that sort of stage direction… It’s weight that drags on the story. We don’t need to know how a character got across the room in order to believe that the character crossed the room.

Stop Clearing Your Throat
If its existence isn’t justified, then why is it there? Often it feels like preparation before we arrive at the real point — and if you’re asking a reader to stick with you, it’s better to arrive at the point with expedience.

What’s on the Page is What Matters
You won’t be able to completely control how the work is put into the world. You certainly won’t be able to control how it is received. What you can control is what’s on the page.

Every single one of these is directly relevant to screenwriting. To read the rest of the article in which Pitoniak fleshes out each point, go here.