Why writing means re-writing.

Authors keep writing whatever the hurdles, headaches and booby traps along the way.

The latest words of warning come in a new book by Chris Paling, a veteran BBC Radio 4 producer on programmes such as Start the Week, Stop the Week, and Midweek.

His new book A Very Nice Rejection Letter (Constable, £16.99, 240pp) charts his long and arduous relationship with publishers over the years. In summarizing his accounts he notes that 7 novels published by Random House led to 45 returns; in April 2007 his income from writing was minus £300; and 4,515 library borrowings of his 2017 book Reading Allowed have earned him a princely £384.68.

His book includes Publishing Rules for authors. Rule 18 is “Writing is rewriting”.
Here is a dictum which is often stated by successful writers and which has been repeated frequently in this newsletter.

A solicitor friend who used to write thrillers in her spare time, and get them published, told me once that she would re-write key sections of a book seven times or more. And Michaela Coel, the brilliant author of BBC TV’s I Will Destroy You, has admitted to nearly 200 rewrites of her award-winning series.

However, writing will NOT destroy you if you retain your patience, passion and determination.

Two further tips:

1, Remember to compose your first draft WITHOUT rewrites, because you may never finish the book if you are editing from chapter one;

2, Get the help of a professional editor who can act as a sounding board and consultant from the start.


So, if you feel you need aid or advice, please contact me.