Should You Edit As You Write?

A lot of new authors ask a question that sounds harmless enough at first, but conceals hidden dangers.

“Should I edit while writing, or wait until the draft is finished?”

At first glance, both approaches seem reasonable. One promises more polished prose from the outset. The other emphasizes forward motion. You’ll find experts advocating for both schools of thought with equal confidence.

Yet the results tell a different story.

Writers who edit as they go tend to stall out. Authors who finish first drafts quickly are more likely to improve faster.

That pattern reveals a deeper truth: Editing and drafting are separate processes that require different mindsets.

Drafting comes from the right brain. When composing, you are discovering the story, weighing character decisions, and testing ideas in real time. Even if you outline, that just means you’re exploring with a map. Imperfection is not only expected; it is necessary. After all, this is where you get the suck out.

Editing is left-brained. It demands precision. You have to slow down, evaluate word choices, and refine language. No sentence can escape your scrutiny. Every paragraph must be judged for clarity and effect.

Trying to do both at once is like trying to play classical music in your head while the radio blasts a progressive rock song.

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