Editing, the sport of kings

by | Dec 29, 2012 | Editing | 2 comments

Editing is a sport.

Not a contact sport, not a team sport, not even an individual sport like tennis. But it’s a sport nonetheless, the sort like swimming or track and field, where what matters is beating your personal best. A faster time. A farther distance.

At the end of every editing pass is the sense of personal satisfaction: I’ve done my best; this can’t get any better. But you start again, and it does get better. The story smooths out, tightens up, pulls together.

Editing’s not about rejecting what has gone before; it’s about surpassing it. No fear. No tears. Just a growing sense of satisfaction.

MQB

Available from these fine shops

The links below will take you to the M.Q. Barber page at each retailer. Need more info to make up your mind? Check out the series pages for the Neighborly Affection books and the Gentleman books.

Also available at your library

Did you know that you can read M.Q. Barber books for free through your library? Libraries can request digital copies through Overdrive, Hoopla, and BorrowBox.

If your library uses Overdrive, you can download the Libby app and request a book directly from your library. Check it out!