Always Quote by Julia Glass
“My first draft is always way too long; my books start out with delusions of 'War and Peace' - and must be gently disabused. My editor is brilliant at taking me to the point where I do all the necessary cutting on my own. I like to say she's a midwife rather than a surgeon.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times Book Review, 2015
The author acknowledges her drafts are overly long and relies on her editor to help trim them, likening the editor to a midwife who assists in birth rather than a surgeon who cuts.
In simple terms: Drafts start too long; editor helps cut them.
Key Takeaway
Trust the editor to guide concise writing.
Themes
writing
editing
conciseness
author‑editor relationship
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
advice
reflection
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- self‑editing
- author workshops
- publishing process
Key Concepts
creative process
self‑editing
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you improve your own editing before the editor steps in?
- What does “midwife” suggest about the editor’s role?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on editor may hinder developing self‑editing skills.
