Advice Quote by Christopher Buckley
“The best advice on writing I've ever received was from William Zinsser: 'Be grateful for every word you can cut.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Advice, 2018
Editing is gratitude; cutting unnecessary words refines writing.
In simple terms: Cut to improve.
Edit ruthlessly for clarity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- novel writing
- blogging
- scriptwriting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does editing become over‑editing?
- How to preserve tone while cutting?
Too much editing can strip voice.