Better way Quote by Crawford Kilian
“Here's a slightly outrageous tip: Don't respect the text. Just because you've written something down doesn't mean it has a right to exist. If your internal editor can find a better way to say something, junk the original version and go with the new one. If you can't find a better way, and the passage really isn't good, junk it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Tips with Crawford Kilian, 2023
Discard drafts that feel inadequate; replace them with clearer, stronger phrasing.
In simple terms: Rewrite if better wording exists.
Key Takeaway
Edit ruthlessly for clarity.
Themes
writing
creativity
editing
Mood
critical
encouraging
Type
instructional
motivational
When to use this quote
- drafting essays
- blog posts
- novel chapters
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
self‑critique
revision process
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you keep a rough draft?
- How do you know a rewrite is truly better?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can stall progress; balance is needed.
