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When you reach the editing stage, it is often the case…

“When you reach the editing stage, it is often the case that you can get too involved with the story to detect errors. You can see words in your head that aren't actually there on the page, sentences blur together and errors escape you, and you follow plot threads and see only the images in your…” quote by Neal Asher
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“When you reach the editing stage, it is often the case that you can get too involved with the story to detect errors. You can see words in your head that aren't actually there on the page, sentences blur together and errors escape you, and you follow plot threads and see only the images in your skull.”

Neal Asher

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

During editing, immersion can blind you to mistakes, causing you to imagine words and scenes that aren't present.

In simple terms: Deep involvement can hide errors.

Key Takeaway

Step back and read aloud for clarity.

Themes

editing attention self‑deception

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

practical reflective

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • academic paper revision
  • script editing
  • self‑editing

Key Concepts

cognitive bias mental imagery proofreading

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you create distance before editing?
  • What techniques reveal hidden mistakes?
A Different Perspective

Over‑familiarity may lead to missed errors.

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