Top 12 Myths About Editing (That Keep Writers From Publishing Sooner)

Editing. The very word can send shivers down a writer’s spine.

Some think it means losing their voice. They delay publication because they believe editing is too pricey, too rigid, or simply unnecessary.

Most of the writers feel that editing can affect their publishing timeline. But here’s the truth:

Let's bust the top 12 myths about editing (That Keep Writers From Publishing Sooner).

1. “If I’m a good writer, I shouldn’t need an editor.”

Even the best writers have their blind spots.

Editors don't fix ‘bad’ writing—they make your writing great. Editing is a bit like a personal trainer, they not only focus on making you the best but also focus on your weakest points.

2. “Editing will ruin my voice.”

It won't.

Good editing enhances the voice—it doesn’t erase it.

If you feel like your piece was rewritten word-for-word in a way that doesn't work, you either have the wrong editor working for you or didn't communicate your intended tone properly. The right editor will work to nail your voice, not overwriting it.

3. “Spellcheck is enough.”

The spelling mistakes are the least of one's concerns. Editors deal not only with grammar but with flow, structure, tone, consistency, fact-checking, logic, pacing—the whole gamut. Spellcheck won't do any of these for you. 

4. “I’ll edit it myself to save money.”

Self-editing is paramount, but it has its limits.

You are simply too close to your work so you can't find mistakes in your writing because you already know what you meant, and your brain automatically fills in those gaps that no reader would.

A professional editor reads like a reader and a critic. 

5. “I only need editing after I finish writing.”

Not always.

Developmental editors work with you during the writing process—especially useful for complicated storyline or nonfiction structures. The sooner you get proper guidance, the fewer major rewrites you’ll need later.

6. “Editors just fix grammar.”

That is the job of proofreaders.

However, editing—deep development or substantive editing in particular—goes much deeper. Editors interrogate your characters. They challenge your arguments. They guide your structure. They're your creative partners, not the grammar police.

7. “All the editors are the same.”

Far from it.

There are developmental editors, copyeditors, line editors, and proofreaders—designations with distinct tasks. Some have specialties that work with fiction; some work with memoirs, business books, or spiritual writing. One size never fits all.

8. “I need to write a perfect draft before hiring an editor.”

There is more beauty in imperfection.

Editors are there to rip that messy draft into a publishable draft. The first draft is just an exploration, so let the editor polish your draft rather than doing it yourself.

9. “Editing takes forever.”

It depends on how broad your project is and how much clarity exists in your manuscript.

But most professional editors will set clear timelines, will give you staged feedback, and won’t let your book sit in limbo. It is a great process for moving on.

10. “Editing is too expensive.”

Editing is an investment that will have a good impact on your book.

Many editors offer packages, sample edits, or even by-the-section payment plans. 

11. "Only traditional publishing requires editing."

No.

Self-publishing requires even more editing: you have no one else but yourself to do those editorial tasks. Lack of editing may cause the book to be perceived as amateurish by readers and reviewers alike.

12. "Once it is done, the editing is over."

Editing is continuous, not a one-time thing.

You might go through developmental, then line edit, and later proofread. Each stage polishes a different layer of your book. Publishing is more than just finishing a book; it is refining it for real readers.

Final Thoughts

Too many writers either stall their publishing journey or rush into it due to fears induced by these myths.

Once these myths are replaced with facts, this fear will diminish, you will find that editing is in no way a threat to creativity but, rather, a route to creating their best work.

The sooner you embrace editing, the sooner you will have your shiny, beautiful, and finished book in your hands.

Ready to set yourself free from the editing myths?

We at Rolling Authors provide personalized editing services tailored to your voice, genre, and publishing goals. If you want to bring out your brilliance without compromising with your plans then our editors will happily assist you in writing your debut memoir or your tenth book.

Visit www.rollingauthors.com to take your manuscript to the next level.